Ayurvedic Medicines

International E – Publication
www.isca.me , www.isca.co.in
PROCEEDING OF National Seminar
On
Traditional Medicine
&
Health Practices
EDITOR
Dr. Samineni Rama Mohana Rao
M.Sc,Ph.D,LL.B,MBA(Exe.),M.Ed,M.Sc(Psyc.),
Lecturer in Botany & Nodal JKC Coordinator,
SR&BGNR Govt. Degree College,
Khammam-507002
2014
International E - Publication
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International E - Publication
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© Copyright Reserved
2014
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, in a

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of the publisher.
ISBN: 978-93-83520-81-7
International Science Congress Association
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PREFACE
The brief volume consists of a good number of articles that are presented in the National
Seminar sponsored by UGC on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” held on 26th and 27th
October,2013 in SR&BGNR Govt Arts & Science College Khammam.
Ancient man; for curing their diseases relied on plant products in the name of Ayurveda,
Siddha , Unani, Naturopathy etc. The Divine nature of Ayurveda was explained in the Ancient
literature i.e Charaka Samhita, Sushrutha Samhita.The subject Ethnobotany is attracting the
world researchers. The dreadful diseases like AIDS, Cancer and other diseases like Jaundice
,Diabetes etc are cured by using wonderful plant products. To get quick relief modern man is
relying on expensive modern medicines by neglecting the Traditional Medicine, Which is very
cheap and free from other side effects.
In the form Neutraceuticals, and in the form of phytochemicals, secondary metabolites of
the plants are having significant value in preventing and controlling the disease.
Now the Folklore medicine is the cynosure to the world community .Every body is very
keen to know the importance the locally available plants and how they are keeping their health in
a sustainable manner. This curiosity helps the researchers to interact with tribal people, to
identify the plants located in their surroundings where they are living.
Scientifically the researchers wants to explore, how the phytomedicine is curing the body
ailments.,and On which target organ it is acting .etc .Once the formulations were known to the
Scientific community, it becomes much useful to the common public, for the supply of the low
cost Phytomedicine.
Most of the valuable plants are disappearing ,due to man made activities as well as
Natural calamites. So it is our responsibility to preserve the Endangered and Endemic flora either
through “-Insitu “ nor “Exsitu “conservation. Biotechnology is one of the interesting tool in the
hands of man to raise the Endangered species.
As the health consciousness is increasing in the public, so that they are showing very
much interest to know the plant products etc for preventing the diseases as well as curing.
Keeping in view of the public Enthusiasm,to know the Traditional Medicine Practices,
this seminar was organized, by inviting the Reputed researchers, who are familiar with the
knowledge of Folk medicine for last few decades.
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On this platform sharing the knowledge among the researchers and students community
will be greatly helpful to take this subject in to their daily life.
To familiarize the locally available plants to the common public and researchers an
exhibition was organized on 25th To 27th October 2013. The seminar was inaugurated by the
former vice chancellor of Kakatiya University Professor. Vidyavathi
A Key note address was given by the former director of BSI,&NBRI, and the present
director for Amity Institute of Herbal products of Trivandrum.Dr.RaghuramSingh Chief
conservator of forest Ooty, an eminent tribal medicine expert Sri, Dr.Koppula Hemadri, an
expert in Ayurvedic Medicine Dr.PammiSatyanarayana Sastry, an emiretus professor T.Pullaiah
from S.K.University,Professor.Srinath from Gulberga University,professor V.S.Raju from
Kakatiya University,and Professor A.Raghu Rama Rao Dean for Pharmaceutical sciences of
Kakatiya University was participated and presented the papers.
Students from the local colleges, Satavahana University,Telangana University
participated in the poster presentation.The chair person and principal of the college
Dr.S.Madhava Rao addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of Traditional
Medicine in daily life. The convener of the seminar Dr.S.Rama Mohana Rao on the last day
summarized the Two days proceedings. The valedictory function was presided by professor
M.A.Singaracharya ,Dean college development council of Kakatiya University Warangal.
Prof.P.Pusphangadhan in his keynote address stated that the Traditional Medicine is
having good fortune in 21st Century. How a technology is helpful for enhancing the
phytochemicals in the plant and the methods to be adopted for getting of the drug from plant
without contamination.By the end of the 21st Century again,People may think about their
ancestors and the methods adopted by them for curing the diseases.
Prof.K.Hemadri, Former B.S.I. Scientist, who contributed a lot to Ethnobotany stated
that the tribal people are getting very less,after their knowledge is transferred to scientific
community.
Based on that the scientific community is obtaining patents, Some royalty should be
given to the tribes who first deciphered their knowledge.
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Pammi Satyanarayana Sastry an Eminent Ayurvedic Practitioner from Vijayawada,

Stated that,the secretary products of plants i.e gums how they are helpful for preserving Human
health was explained.
Acknowledgements
The papers presented in this volume are both extempore speeches that are
transformed into paper form, given significance of the ideas expressed therein. Some others are
presentations that are read out in the UGC sponsored National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine
& Health Practices” held during 26th and 27th October,2013 in SR&BGNR Govt. Arts & Science
College, Khammam.
We extend our gratitude to the UGC for extending financial support both for the conduct
of seminar as well as the publication of proceedings. We are also grateful to the commission of
collegiate education AP, Hyderabad, for according permission to conduct the seminar. We are
deeply indebted to the principal of our college for his valuable guidance and encouragment in all
aspects.
We are thankful to all the paper presenters and the other participants whose active
participation and co-operation definitely added the needed touch of seriousness to the
proceedings of the seminar that is expected in a National Seminar. Finally,our deep sense of
gratitude goes to all the other sponsorers of the seminar. The spirit which with they have come
forward to help in their own way is very encouraging and makes one feel optimistic to take up
the activities of this sort. The help extended by the other Faculty of the department is invaluable.
To conclude, we are hopeful, the lessons that we learnt, the fresh insights that we have
about human nature, may go a long way in tempering me.
- Editor.
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FOREWORD
I feel it my privilege to pen the foreword for the proceedings of the seminar on
“Traditional Medicine and Health Practices” held During 26th& 27th October 2013. The very
purpose of the seminar is to share the ideas and practices that help us to improve the lapses in the
teaching and learning process if any. Moreover , it may not be possible for everyone to attend the
seminar and this proceedings may be helpful to all.
Hence, If the proceedings are brought out in the form of book nor in the form of
e-journal, naturally it would reach out to the interested people and the desired purpose would be
served. As such I appreciate the faculty of Department of Botany,and others whoever have done
their contribution to make it possible. Our college owes much gratitude to the University Grants
Commission, Hyderabad,for its financial assistance, but for which we would not have so easily
taken up this academic activity of contemporary relevance
Dr.S.Madhava Rao, M.Sc, Ph.D
Principal
SR&BGNR Govt.Arts& Sceince College,
Khammam.
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Table of Contents
Page
Authors
No.
Ethno botanical Studies on Medicinal
Plants used by the Tribes of P.Earnest Vijayanand, D.Ramesh 1
Bhadrachalam Forest area, A.P, India.
Anticancer agents from Medicinal Plants:
Kavya M and Srinath Rao 7
A mini review
Anti Microbial activity of various
Cyanobacteria against Bacterial N.V. Madhav, M. Arjun and M.Aruna 19
pathogens.
Influence of Gamma Irradiation on
morphogenetic response in Shoot tip Venkateshwarlu.M, and Ugandhar.T 25
cultures of Cucumis melo
The Role of Traditional Medicine in 21st P. Pushpangadan and V. George
29
Century’s Human Health Care
Herbal Medicine & Indigenous Health
Practices among the Koyas of Khammam Dr.S.Rama Mohana Rao,and G.Ravi 45
District.
Dr.Ch.Ramesh Babu , Dr.S.Rama Mohana
Wonder Plants ( Bhale Chetlu) 55
Rao
AJAYKUMAR PALIWAL, M.ARJUN,
Endangered treatment of Traditional
N.VENU MADHAV, E.N.MURTHY , 61
Medicinal Amphibian Plants
M.ARUNA
Ethno-Botanical Remedies of Tribal
E. NARASIMHA MURTHY, N.
People in the Mahamutharam Mandal of 76
VENUMADHAV, M. ARJUN
Karimnagar District of A.P
Ethno - Medicinal Plants used to cure
Dr. Ratna Manjula, R. 85
Digestive Disorders
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Phytochemical and Antimicrobial

Screening of certain Medicinal Plants V.V.Ramana, 93
from Kothagudem
Direct plantlet regeneration from
Srilatha.T, Sammaiah.D, NarasingaRao.N,
cotyledon & Leaf explant of Melotheria 103
Kanaka Rajesham. Ch, Ugandhar.T
maderaspatana, (L)
Medicinal Plants Surround Us. Mrs.P.Rupa, Mr.A.Chandrashekarreddy 112
Studies on Ethno- Medicinal Plants of
Srinivas.A, Srinivas.T, Buchaiah.K,
Mahadevpur Reserve Forest. East
Chandraiah.G, Anitha Devi.U and 123
Division of Karimnagar District (A.P)
Ugandhar.T
India
Agrobacterium mediated genetic UGANDHAR.T, AYSHWARYA.E,
transformation in Solanum surathense SAMMAIAH.D, ANITHA DEVI U. AND 139
burma.F ( from leaf Explants) RAMASWAMY N
Multi role Mulberry A.SRINU 155
Role of Biotechnology in Propagation of
CH. A. RAMULU 166
Some Important Medicinal Plants
GUMS & RESINS USED IN
Vaidya Pammi Satyanarayana Sastry 175
AYURVEDA
Tribal Medicine in Dandakaranya Dr. Koppula Hemadri 181
Effect of fruit extract of Aegle marmelos
Manjunath V Jali, Nirmala P, Annamalai A.
on intestinal transport of fluid and 197
R, Basavaraj K.M
motility in rats
ABOUT EDITOR 206
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Ethnobotanical Studies On Medicinal Plants Used By The Tribes Of

Bhadrachalam Forest Area,Andhra Pradesh, India.
*P.Earnest Vijayanand, ** D.Ramesh, Lecturer in Botany, Govt. Degree & P.G.College,

Bhadrachalam, Khammam (Dist) email: earnest.anand75@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Traditional healing systems play an important role in maintaining physical and

psychological well being of the vast majority of tribal people in India. Today continued
deforestration and environmental degradation in many parts of India brought about depletion of
medicinal plants and association of knowledge. The need for the integration of local indigenous
knowledge for a sustainable management and conservation of natural resource receives more and
more recognition. Moreover, an increased emphasis is being placed on possible economic
benefits especially of the medicinal use of tropical forest products instead of pure timber
harvesting.
A preliminary survey of medicinal plants used by the Koyas and Konda Reddies who are
living in bhadrachalam forest area of the Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh is reported in this
paper.
KEY WORDS :Medicinal plants. Used by the tribes. Bhadrachalam forest area.
INTRODUCTION :
Plants provide food, shelter, clothing and medicine to humankind. Plants curing ailments are
known to mankind since time immemorial. Rich and diversaified heritage of these invaluable
traditional knowledge systems on medicinal plants is of immense significance in the context of
fast erosion of cultural diversity in different parts of the world especially in tropical countries
like India The diversity of medicinal plants and their rich therapeutic traditional knowledge in
the country necessitated intensive research in this domain.
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Traditional healing systems play an important role in maintaining physical and

psychological well being of the vast majority of tribal people in India. Today continued
deforestration and environmental degradation in many parts of India brought about depletion of
medicinal plants and association of knowledge. The need for the integration of local indigenous
knowledge for a sustainable management and conservation of natural resource receives more and
more recognition. Moreover, an increased emphasis is being placed on possible economic
benefits especially of the medicinal use of tropical forest products instead of pure timber
harvesting.
Bhadrachalam is located in khammam district, Bhadrachalam forest area lies between

17038’ and 18040’north latitudes and between 80020’and 81010’east longitudes of north eastern
part of Andhra Pradesh. The total geographical area of the Bhadrachalam forest division is
1,96,500 Ha with 1,45,000 Ha under forest.Bhadrachalam forest division is a territorial wild life
division. The terrain shows great variation in the altitude with constituting high range of
hills.Bhadrachalam forest division which is one of the major tribal inhabited area in Andra
Pradesh. The main tribes of bhadrachalam forest area are Koyas and Konda Reddies. The
Bhadrachalam forest area consists of a range of massive, unbroken chain of rugged hills. Most of
the interior region are still undisturbed and very diverse.
Bhadrachalam forest area is mostly along the Godavari river banks well marked plants
are present. The indigenous communities live in the interior parts of forest area. An extent of
2000 hahas been provided as tribal settlements inside the forest area.
The Koyas and Konda Reddies were living in the interior parts of forest area They choose faith
healing first, traditional herbal medicine next and modern medicine only when the first have
failed. However the Bhadrachalam forest area is relatively unexplored and little work has been
done in context of etnobotany. So the present study was undertaken,and an attempt was made to
document the ethno botanical knowledge of the tribals koyas and kondareddies who are living in
this forest area.
METHODOLOGY :
For the collection of ethno botanical data with the help of our college students field trips were
carried out in bhadrachalam forest area covered villages like kunavaram, v.r. puram,

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chintoor,interacted with the healers belongs to the koya and kondareddy tribes and collected the
information of medicinal plants. We asked to furnish the information on the local name and
using medicinal plant part ,use of medicinal plant.Plant specimens were collected and later
identified by using floras.
I . Gamble JS & Fisher CEC 1915 – 1936 Flora of presidency of madras, London.
2 . Pullaiah T et al Flora of Andhra Pradesh, Scientific publishers, Jodhpur.
Conclusion :
The study indicates that, So many plant species are used by the tribal people. The tribal people
utilize the plants for various diseases. In Bhadrachalamm forest area we identified more than 50
species are utilised by the tribes of koyas and konda reddies. For treating a single ailment or
disease the tribals use same plant species like stomach problems, head ache and treating skin
diseases. More than one part of the same plant was used by the tribals notable
Botanical Name Vernacular Plant part

S.No Use
of the plant Name used
01 Achyranthes Uttareni Leaves Sprains, Insect bites
aspera
02 Acalypha indica Muripinda leaves Skin diseases
03 Aerva lanata Pindiaku Roots Healing wounds
04 Aloe veera kalabanda Whole plant Sprains,veternery medicine
05 Bauhinia Are Stem bark Diarrhoea
racemosa
06 Madhuka Ippa bark Stomach pains
longifolia
07 Emblika usiri fruits Animia, indigestion
officinalis
08 Asperagus Pilli teegalu Roots,corm Menstrual problems
recimosa

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09 Andrographis nelavemu leaves Snake bite,skin diseases

neesiana
10 Alternanthira ponnagantikora roots Tooth diseases
sessiles
11 Cassia fistula Rela Bark,roots Cuts&wounds,toothache,liver
disorders
12 Bulbophyllum sps Adavi ulli tubers Good healths & healing wounds
13 Butea Moduga Roots Stomach pain, piles
monosperma
14 Calotropis Jilledu Flowers Paralysis
gigantia
15 Cocculus hirsutus Dusara teega Root Antidote,snake bite
16 Coldenia hamsapadi Roots, leaves Nervous disorders
procumbens
17 Diospyros sps pandupilli Stem bark Stomach disorders
18 Terminalia arjuna Maddi Stem bark Gynocological disorders
19 Strychnos Mushti bark Stomach ache, snake bite
nuxvomika
20 Crinum defixum seepachettu Leaves,bulbs Ear infections,cough,
scabies
21 Datura metal oometha Leaves, seeds Skin diseases, curing boils
22 Terminalia Karaka fruit Cough, soar throat
chebula
23 Schleichera oleosa kusuma Seeds Ulcers,Gastric trouble, Skin
diseases
24 Vitex altissima Nemali adugu Stem bark Snake bite
25 Solanum Nela vakudu Fruit Stomachache, tooth ache
pubiscens
26 Euphorbia hirta Reddivari chitrapala Skin diseases,disentary
nanubalu

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27 Argemone nelarakkasi Roots,Seeds Skin diseases,fever

mexicana
28 Cissus Nalleru Stem Bone fractures
quadrangularis
29 Coccinia grandis dondaku Leaves Ear pain
30 Phyllanthus Nela usiri Fruits Jaundice
amarus
References :
GAMBLE, J.S. 1915-1936. Flora of the Presidency of Madras. vol. 1-3 (vol. 3 by C.E.C
Fischer). Adlard & SonsLtd., London.
HEMADRI, K. 1987. Andhra Pradesh Vanamulikalu. Chemiloids, Vijayawada. (in Telugu).
HEMADRI, K. 1994. Shastravettalanu Akarshistunna Girijana Vaidyam (Tribal harmacopoeia).
Tribal Cultural Research and Training Institute, Hyderabad. (in Telugu).
Lipp, F.J.1989. Methods for ethnopharmacological field work. J. Ethnopharmacol., 25: 139–150.
PULLAIAH, T. (1997). Flora of Andhra Pradesh. Vol. III. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur.
PULLAIAH, T. & D. ALIMOULALI (1997). Flora of Andhra Pradesh. Vol. II. Scientific
Publishers, Jodhpur.
PULLAIAH, T. & , E. CHENNAIAH (1997). Flora of Andhra Pradesh. Vol. I. Scientific
Publishers, Jodhpur.
RAJASEKARAN, B & D.M. WARREN 1994. Indigenous knowledge for socio-economic
devolopment andbiodiversity conservation:the Kolli hills.IndigenousKnowledge &Devolopment
Monitor 2: 13-17.
RAJU, V.S. & REDDY, K.N. 2005. Ethnobotanic medicine for Dysentery and Diarrhoea from
Khammam District of Andhra Pradesh, India Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 4(4), pp.443-447.
RAMARAO, N., A. RAJENDRAN & A.N. HENRY 1999. Phyto-zootherapy of the tribes of
Andhra Pradesh. J. Econ. Tax. Bot. 23: 331-335.
RAO, D.P. 1997. Geomorphology and soils of Andhra Pradesh. In: P.K. RAMAN & V.N.
MURTHY (Ed.) Geologof Andhra Pradesh. Geological Society of India, Bangalore, 225-240 pp.

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REDDY, K.N. & SUBBARAJU, G.V. 2005. Ethnobotanical medicine for rheumatic diseases
from Eastern Ghats ofAndhra Pradesh. Recent Trends in Plant Sciences. P.p:128-138.
REDDY, K.N., PATTANAIK, C., REDDY, C.S. RAJU, V.S. 2007. Traditional knowledge on
wild food Plants inAndhra Pradesh, India. IJTK Vol.6.
UPADHYAY, R & S.V.S. CHAUHAN 2000. Ethnobotanical observations on Koya tribe of
Gundala mandal ofKhammam district, Andhra Pradesh. Ethnobotany 12: 93-99.

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Anticancer agents from medicinal plants: A mini review.
Kavya M and Srinath Rao*

Plant tissue culture & genetic engineering Lab.
Department of Botany Gulbarga University Gulbarga
ABSTRACT:
Cancer is a major public health burden in both developed and developing countries. Plant
derived agents are being used for the treatment of cancer. Cancer is nowadays used as a generic
term describing a group of about 120 different diseases, which can affect any part of the body
and defined as the state characterized by the uncontrolled growth and invasion of normal tissues
and spread of cells (Yarbro et al., 2005). According to WHO reports cancer is a leading cause of
premature death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) only in
2008 (Ferlay et al., 2010)] The number of all cancer cases around the world reached 12.7 million
in 2008 and is expected to increase to 21million by 2030. Several anticancer agents including
taxol, vinblastine, vincristine, the camptothecin derivatives, topotecan and irinotecan, and
etoposide derived from epipodophyllotoxin are in clinical use all over the world. A number of
promising agents such as flavopiridol, roscovitine, combretastatin A-4, betulinic acid and
silvestrol are in clinical or preclinical development.
INTRODUCTION:
Plants have been used for the treatment of various diseases for thousands of years. As
civilizations grew from 3000 BC onwards in Egypt, the Middle East, India and China, the uses of
herbs became more sophisticated and written records were prepared. Terrestrial plants have been
used as medicines in Egypt, China, India and Greece from ancient time and an impressive
number of modern drugs have been developed from them. The first written records on the
medicinal uses of plants appeared in about 2600 BC from the Sumerians and Akkaidians .The
“Ebers Papyrus”, the best known Egyptian pharmaceutical record, which documented over 700
drugs, represents the history of Egyptian medicine dated from 1500 BC. The Chinese Materia

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Medica, which describes more than 600 medicinal plants, has been well documented with the
first record dating from about 1100 BC (Cragg et al., 1997). Documentation of the Ayurvedic
system recorded in Susruta and Charaka dates from about 1000 BC (Kappor, 1990). The Greeks
also contributed substantially to the rational development of the herbal drugs. Dioscorides, the
Greek physician (100 A.D.), described in his work “De Materia Medica” more than 600
medicinal plants (Samuelsson, 1999). The World Health Organization estimates that
approximately 80% of the world’s inhabitants rely on traditional medicine for their primary
health care (Farnsworth et al., 1985). Cancer is a major public health burden in both developed
and developing countries. Cancer is a major public health burden in both developed and
developing countries. It was estimated that there were 10.9 million new cases, 6.7 million deaths,
and 24.6 million per-sons living with cancer around the world in 2002 (Parkin et al., 2005).
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States (Hoyer, et al., 2005), where one
in four deaths is due to cancer. Plants have long been used in the treatment of cancer (Hartwell,
1982). The National Cancer Institute collected about 35,000 plant samples from 20 countries and
has screened around
114,000 extracts for anticancer activity (Shoeb, 2005). Of the 92 anticancer drugs commercially
available prior to 1983 in the US and among worldwide approved anticancer drugs between 1983
and 1994, 60% are of natural origin (Cragg et al., 1997). In this instance, natural origin is defined
as natural products, derivatives of natural products or synthetic pharmaceuticals based on natural
product models (Jaspars and Lawton, 1998). Cancer cells exhibit deregulation in multiple
cellular signaling pathways, yet all cancers share a number of common hallmark capabilities,
such as genetic instability, self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to anti-growth signals,
avoidance of apoptosis, unlimited replication, sustained angiogenesis, and tissue invasion and
metastasis (Ziech et al., 2012).Therefore, utilizing specific agents to target single pathways is a
tactic that frequently fails in cancer therapy. Genetic instability produces intra-tumoral
heterogeneity that enables adaptive resistance. Combination chemotherapy that targets a number
of distinct molecular mechanisms is therefore preferable and considered more promising, but the
use of multiple agents is often constrained due to corresponding increases in toxicity (Sarkar and
Li, 2009)

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PLANT DERIVED ANTICANCER AGENTS IN CLINICAL USE:
The isolation of the Vinca alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine from the Madagascar
periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus. (Apocynaceae) introduced a new era of the use of plant
material as anticancer agents. They were the first agents to advance into clinical use for the
treatment of cancer (Cragg and Newman, 2005).
1. Vinblastine: Brand name (Velbe ®)Vinblastine is an anti microtubule drug used to treat
certain kinds of cancer, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer,breast
cancer, head and neck cancer, and testicular cancer. It is also used to treat Langerhans cell
histiocytosis. Vinblastine was first isolated by Robert Noble and Charles Thomas Beer at the
University of Western Ontario from the Madagascar periwinkle plant. Vinblastine's utility as a
chemotherapeutic agent was first suggested by its effect on the body when an extract of the plant
was injected in rabbits to study the plant's supposed anti-diabetic effect. (A tea made from the
plant was a folk-remedy for diabetes.) The rabbits succumbed to a bacterial infection, due to
a decreased number of white blood cells, so it was hypothesized that vinblastine might be
effective against cancers of the white blood cells such as lymphoma. It is generated in the plant
by the joining of two alkaloids catharanthine and vindoline . Vinblastine is a Vinca alkaloid and
a chemical analogue of vincristine. It binds tubulin, thereby inhibiting the assembly
of microtubules. Vinblastine treatment causes M phase specific cell cycle arrest by disrupting
microtubule assembly and proper formation of the mitotic spindle and the kinetochore, each of
which are necessary for the separation of chromosomes during anaphase of mitosis. Toxicities
include bone marrow suppression (which is dose-limiting), gastrointestinal toxicity,
potent vesicant (blister-forming) activity, and extravasation injury (forms deep ulcers).
Vinblastine paracrystals may be composed of tightly-packed un polymerized tubulin or
microtubules (Starling, 1976).Vinblastine is reported to be an effective component of certain
chemotherapy regimens, particularly when used with bleomycin and methotrexate in VBM
chemotherapy for Stage IA or IIA Hodgkin lymphomas. The inclusion of vinblastine allows for
lower doses of bleomycin and reduced overall toxicity with larger resting periods between
chemotherapy cycles (Gopi et al., 2003).

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2. Vincristine: Brand name, Oncovin, formally known as leurocristine, sometimes abbreviated

"VCR", is a Vinca alkaloid from Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle), formerly Vinca
rosea and hence its name. It is a mitotic inhibitor, and is used in cancer chemotherapy.
Vincristine is created by the coupling of indole alkaloids vindoline and catharanthine in the
Vinca plant.They work by preventing mitosis in metaphase. These alkaloids bind to tubulin thus
preventing the cell from making the spindles it needs to be able to divide. This is different from
the action of taxol which interferes with cell division by keeping the spindles from being broken
down. Vinblastin is mainly useful for treating Hodgkin’s disease, advanced testicular cancer and
advanced breast cancer. Vincristine is mainly used to treat acute leukemia and other lymphomas.
is an antimicrotubule drug used to treat certain kinds of cancer, including Hodgkin's lymphoma,
Kaposi’s sarcoma ,non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and testicular
cancer I (Cragg and Newman, 2005). It is also used to treat Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Vinblastine was traditionally obtained from Catharanthus roseus, also known as Vinca rosea,
a Madagascar periwinkle. It is generated in the plant by the joining of two
alkaloids catharanthine and vindoline
3. Paclitaxel: The discovery of paclitaxel from the bark of the Pacific Yew, (Taxus brevifolia
Nutt.) of family Taxaceae, isolated in 1967 by Monroe et al. It was discovered in a US National
Cancer Institute program at the Research Triangle Institute, is another evidence of the success in
natural product drug discovery. Paclitaxel is a mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy.
When it was developed commercially by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), the generic name was
changed to paclitaxel and the BMS compound is sold under the trademark Taxol. In this
formulation, paclitaxel is dissolved in Kolliphor EL and ethanol, as a delivery agent. A newer
formulation, in which paclitaxel is bound to albumin, is sold under the trademark Abraxane.
Paclitaxel is used to treat patients with lung, ovarian, breast, head and neck cancer, and advanced
forms of Kaposi's sarcoma. Paclitaxel is also used for the prevention of restenosis.. It's also
known as Taxol®. Various parts of Taxus brevifolia and other Taxus species (e.g., Taxus
Canadensis Marshall, Taxus baccata L.) have been used by several Native American Tribes for
the treatment of some non-cancerous cases (Cragg and Newman, 2005) while Taxus baccata was
reported to use in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of cancer. The structure of

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paclitaxel was elucidated in 1971 and was clinically introduced to the US market in the early
1990s (Wani et al., 1971; Rowinsky et al., 1992).
4. Camptothecin: Isolated from the Chinese ornamental tree, Camptotheca acuminate belonging
to family Nyssaceae,in 1966 by Wall and Wani in systematic screening of natural products was
advanced to clinical trials by NCI in the 1970s but was dropped because of severe bladder
toxicity (Potmeisel, 1995).It is a cytotoxic quinoline alkaloid which inhibits DNA enzyme
topoisomerase-1(topo I). CPT showed remarkable anticancer activity in preliminary clinical
trials but also low solubility and (high) adverse drug reaction. Because of these disadvantages
synthetic and medicinal chemists have developed numerous syntheses of Camptothecin and
various derivatives to increase the benefits of the chemical, with good results. Two
CPT analogues have been approved and are used
in cancer chemotherapy today, topotecan and irinotecan.
5. Topotecan: Trade name Hycamtinis a semi-synthetic derivative of camptothecin and is used

for the treatment of ovarian and small cell lung cancers, and colo-rectal cancers, respectively
(Creemers et al., 1996; Bertino, 1997). Epipodophyllotoxin is an isomer of podophyllotoxin
which was isolated as the active anti-tumor agent from the roots of Podophyllum species,
Podophyllum peltatum and Podophyllum emodi of Berberidaceae (Stahelin, 1973).
Etoposide and teniposide: Theseare two semi-synthetic derivatives of epipodophyllotoxin and

are used in the treatment of lymphomas and bronchial and testicular cancers (Cragg and
Newman, 2005; Harvey, 1997).
Homoharringtonine: It is isolated from the Chinese tree Cephalotaxus harringtonia var.

drupacea (Cephalotaxaceae), is another plant-derived agent in clinical use (Itokawa et al., 2005;
Powell et al., 1970). A racemic mixture of harringtonine and homoha-rringtonine has been used
successfully in China for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic myelogenous
leukemia (Cragg and Newman, 2005; Kantarjian et al., 1996).

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Elliptinium: It isa derivative of ellipticine, isolated from a Fijian medicinal plant Bleekeria
vitensis A.C. Sm., is marketed in France for the treatment of breast cancer (Cragg and Newman,
2005).
Curcumin: Anticancer activity of the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa) is well documented
in literature and is attributed to curcumin isolated from Curcuma zedoaria belonging to the
family Zingiberaceae ,it has been used in the traditional system of medicine in India and
Southwest Asia in treating many human ailments and is found to possess many biological
activities Isocurcumenol is said to be the active compound and is found to inhibit the
proliferation of cancer cells without inducing significant toxicity to the normal cells (Lakshmi et
al., 2012).
Forskolin: Coleus forskholiiis useful in the treatment of cancer and congestive heart failure
(Vladimir and Majeed, 2004; James, 2003) The active principle of Coleus forskohlii, increase
cyclic AMP levels in the culture medium of human prostatic cancer cells thereby cellular growth
of the cancer is found inhibited. This will be a possible new, safe approach to prostatic
carcinoma therapy (Vladimir and Majeed, 2004)
Betulinic: It was isolated from Zizyphus species, e.g. mauritiana, rugosa and oenoplia (Pisha et
al., 1995; Nahar et al., 1997) and displayed selective cytotoxicity against human melanoma cell
lines (Balunas et al., 2005).
CONCLUSION:
Many secondary metabolites of plant are commercially important and find use in a number of
pharmaceutical compounds. Over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants
and plant extracts for health care.There are more than 270,000 higher plants existing on this
planet. But only a small portion has been explored phytochemically, plants can provide potential
bioactive compounds for the development of new ‘leads’ to combat cancer diseases.Natural
products discovered from medicinal plants have played an important role in the treatment of
cancer. Natural products or natural product derivatives comprised 14 of the top 35 drugs in 2000
based on worldwide sales. Two plant derived natural products, paclitaxel and camptothecin were

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estimated to account for nearly one-third of the global anticancer market. The present review
supports the potential of certain medicinal plants. More research can be done to investigate the
unknown and unexplored potential of these plants.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The authors thank Dr. Meena R. Chandavarkar Vice Chancellor Karnataka State Women’s
University Bijapur, Karnataka for her constant encouragement
REFERENCES:
Balunas MJ, Kinghorn AD. Drug discovery from medicinal plants. Life Sci. 2005; 78: 431-41.
Bertino JR. Irinotecan for colorectal cancer. Semin Oncol. 1997; 24: S18-S23.
Cragg GM, Newman DJ 2005. Plants as source of anticancer agents. J Ethnopharmacol.; 100(1-
2): 72-79.
Creemers GJ, Bolis G, Gore M, Scarfone G, Lacave AJ, Guastalla JP, Despax R, Favalli G,
Kreinberg R, VanBelle S, Hudson I, Verweij J, Huinink WWT. Topotecan, an active drug in the
second-line treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer: results of a large European phase II study. J
Clin Oncol. 1996; 14: 3056-61.
Farnsworth NR, Akerele O, Bingel AS, Soejarto DD, Guo Z. Medicinal plants in therapy. Bull
World Health Organ. 1985; 63: 965-81.
Ferlay J.; Shin H.R.; Bray F.; Forman D.; Mathers C.; Parkin (2010). D.M. GLOBOCAN
2008 v1.2. Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC Cancer Base No. 10. Lyon,
France: International Agency for Research on Cancer, Available from: http://globo‐
can.iarc.fr,
Hartwell JL. Plants used against cancer: a survey. Lawrence, MA. Quarterman Publications,
1982, pp 438-39.

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Harvey AL. Medicines from nature: are natural products still relevant to drug discovery. Trends
Pharmacol Sci. 1999; 20:196-98.
Hoyer DL, Kung HC, Smith BL. Natl. Vital. Stat. Rep. 2005; 53: 1-48.
James P.M. Coleus forskohlii: A non stimulant herb with proven fat burning ability. Dynamic
Chiropractic 2003; 21:12.
Jaspars M, Lawton LA. Cyanobacteria as a novel source of pharmaceuticals. Curr Opin Drug
Discovery Develop. 1998; 1: 77-84.
Kantarjian HM, O’Brien S, Anderlini P, Talpaz M. Treat-ment of chronic myelogenous

leukemia: current status and investigational options. Blood. 1996; 87: 3069-81.
Kappor LD. CRC Handbook of ayurvedic medicinal plants. Boca Raton, Florida, CRC Press,
1990, pp 416-17.
Lakshmi S., Padmaja G and Remani P., Antitumour Effects of Isocurcumenol Isolated from
Curcuma zedoaria Rhizomes on Human and Murine Cancer Cells, International Journal of
Medicinal Chemistry., 2011, 13.
Nahar N, Das RN, Shoeb M, Marma MS, Aziz MA, Mosihuzzaman M. Four triterpenoids
from the bark of Zizyphus rugosa and Z. oenoplia. J Bangladesh Academy Sci. 1997; 21:
151-56.
Parkin DM, Bray F, Ferlay J, Pisani P. Global cancer statistics, 2002. CA Cancer J Clin. 2005,
55; 74-108.
Pisha E, Chai H, Lee IS, Chagwedera TE, Farnsworth NR, Cordell GA, Beecher CW,
Fong HH, Kinghorn AD, Brown DM, Wani MC, Wall ME, Hieken TJ, Das Gupta TK,
Pezzuto JM. Discovery of betulinic acid as a selective inhibitor of human melanoma that
functions by induction of apoptosis. Nat Med. 1995; 1: 1046-51.

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Rowinsky EK, Onetto N, Canetta RM, Arbuck SG, Taxol-the 1st of the texanes, an important
new class of anti-tumor agents. Semin Oncol. 1992; 19: 646-62.
th
Samuelsson G. Drugs of natural origin: a textbook of pharmacognosy. 4 ed., Stockholm,
Swedish Pharmaceu-tical Press, 1999.
Sarkar FH, Li Y (2009) Harnessing the fruits of nature for the development of multi-targeted
cancer therapeutics. Cancer Treat Rev 35: 597-607.
Shoeb M, Celik S, Jaspars, M, Kumarasamy Y, MacManus S, Nahar L, Kong TLP, Sarker SD.
Isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivity of schischkiniin, a unique indole alkaloid from the
seeds of Centaurea schischkinii. Tetrahedron. 2005; 61: 9001-06.
Shoeb M, MacManus SM, Jaspars M, Trevidadu J, Nahar L, Thoo-Lin PK, Sarker SD.
Montamine, a unique dimeric indole alkaloid, from the seeds of Centaurea montana
(Asteraceae), and its in vitro cytotoxic activity against the CaCo2 colon cancer cells.
Tetrahedron. 2006; 62: 11172-77.
Silva GL, Cui B, Chavez D, You M, Chai HB, Rasoanaive P, Lynn SM, O’Neill MJ, Lewis JA,
Besterman JM, Monks A, Farnsworth NR, Cordell GA, Pezzuto JM, Kinghorn AD. Modulation
of the multidrug-resistance phenotype by new tropane alkaloids aromatic esters from
Erythroxylum pervillei. J Nat Prod. 2001; 64: 1514-20.
Wani MC, Taylor HL, Wall M E, Coggon P, McPhail AT. Plant anti-tumor agents. VI. The
isolation and structure of taxol, a novel anti-leukemic and anti-tumor agent from Taxus
brevifolia. J Am Chem Soc. 1971; 93: 2325-27.
Vladimir B., Majeed M. Nutrition Industry Executive, the Business Magazine for Dietary
Supplement Industry Manufacturers; 2004.

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Plate-I: Plants producing Anticancer Compounds
Bleekeria vitensis Camptotheca acuminate
Cephalotaxus harringtonia Coleus forskohlii
Plate-II: Plants producing Anticancer Compounds

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Curcuma longa (Plant) Curcuma longa (Rhizome)
Nothopodites foetida Podophyllum hexandrum

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Plate-III: Plants producing Anticancer Compounds
Catharanthus roseus Taxus brevifolia Zizyphus mauritiana,

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ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS CYANOBACTERIA

AGAINST BACTERIAL PATHAOGENS
N.V. Madhav* M. Arjun and M.Aruna**

*Department of Botany, University College of Science, Satavahana University, Karimnagar.
**. Department of Botany, Telangana University, Nizamabad
ABSTRACT
Cyanobacteria have provided a Source of information for a novel drug compound and
plant derived medicine have made a significant contribution towards human health and in
controlling number of
infections. The cyanobacterial extracts showing antibacterial activity can be Further Subjected
to isolation of therapeutic antibacterial and carry out further pharmacological evolution in
Present study selected certain cyanobacteria was tested against three bacterial organisms are
E.coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiells, from the above Studies it is concluded that the Cyanobacterial
represent new Sources of antimicrobials with stable ways for Use of modern medicine.
KEY WORDS:
Cyanobacteria b&11 Media, Inhibition zone
INTRODUCTION:
Cyanobacteria are a very old group of organisms and represent relics of the oldest
photoautotrophic vegetation in the world that occur in freshwater, marine and terrestrial habitats
(Mundt and Teuscher 1986). Cyanobacteria have drawn much attention as prospective and rich
sources of biologically active constituents and have been identified as one of the most promising
groups of organisms to be able of producing bioactive compounds (Schlegel et al., 1999).
Cyanobacteria are known to produce metabolites with diverse biological activities such as
antibacterial (Jaki et al., 2000), antifungal (Kajiyama et al., 1998), antiviral (Patterson et al.,
1994), anticancer (Luesch et al., 2000), antiplasmodial (Papendorf et al., 1998), algicide (Papke
et al., 1997), anti- platelet aggregation (Rho et al., 1996) and Immunosuppressive (Koehn et al.,
1992) activities. Cyanobacteria from local habitats seem to be a source of potential new active

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substances that could contribute to reduction of the number of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other
microorganisms (Mundt et al., 2001). Cyanobacteria have not yet been studied for antimicrobial
activity and little work has been done to screen cyanobacteria isolated from soils with regard to
their production of bioactive compounds. In order to find the potential of cyanobacteria for
production of antimicrobial compounds in agricultural field.
In this study, some microalgae were tested wherein we report their efficacy against few
pathogenic microorganisms.
METERIAL AND METHODS:

Isolation and Identification of cyanobacterias Soil Samples were collected from different
agricultural
Fields in Karimnagar District, Soil Samples were Directly cultured in Nitrogen free BGII media
(Bruwitzka and Bruwitzka, 1988) offer colonization cyanobacteria were transferred to the same
medium Each isolated cyanobacterium was cultured in a 250 ml Flask containing 100 ml of BGll
medium without
Shoaling for 30 days incubation of 28c’+2 and illumination of 3000 lux with a white continuous
Light. The cyanobacteria and identification was done using morphological Variation studies
and taxonomical
Approaches (Desikachry 1959, Prescott 1962 and Anand et.al 1990) Preparation of Extact for
antimicrobial activity the cultures were harvested after 30 days by centrifuge fiow at 10,000-r pm
for 10. Minutes the amorous Supernatant was collected and afzel nellet was extracted with 15 ml
of ethances followed by 15 ml of hexane, with shaking for 20 min. The culture supernatants’ and
solvent extracts were dried under reduced pressure at 40c and were stored at 10c for further
studies filter papers in dried extracts and super natat in 4 ml of their extracts solvent.
The following bacteria were used as test organisms:
E. COLI, PSEUDOMONAS, & KLLEBSIELLA:

Test organism plates were incubated at 37c, for a period of 18-24 hours. Discs treated with
50ml.
Ethanol was used on negative controls and gentamycine diser wele used (10ml) as positive
controls. The

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Extracts and supernatant containing antimicrobial components produced district, clear circular
zones
Of inhibitions around the diameters of clear zones were determined and used as indication of
antimicrobial activity.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

The result of culture supernatants and ethanolic extracts of the isolated cyanobacteria that
demonstrated
Antibacterial activity are shown in table 1.Supernantant and ethanol extract of 5 strains from the
80
Cyanobacteria strains, showed significant antibacterial activity against bacteria. two of them
were identified an Nostoc species, where two anabaena species & one cylindrospermum sps. In
the present pilot screening of cyanobacterial extracts of 5 species were found to show spicier
specific activity against the 3 human pathogens. The details of activity of aqueous and ethuol
extracts of alia along with activity
profile with standard commercial antibiotics (gentamycine) was present in table 1 and 2
antibacterial
activity of cynobacteria aqueous and ethanolic. Extracts against Ecoli pseudomonas klebsiella
shown
in table-1. Maximum antibacterial activity was shown against E.coli, pseudomonas & klebsiellea
of bacterialpathojens. This is interesting that the traditional method of treating a bacterial
infection was by
administering a decolonization of the cyanobacteria, whercar according to our results an organic
solvent
hence, this may be more beneficial. Among the 3 Bacterial Strains investigated E.coli and
Pseudomonades are the most resesistance. A large number of microbial extracts and
exctraculture products have been found to have antibacterial activity. However, pH of the
medium, incubation period and Temperature of inoculation period and temperature of incubation
were very important to the biosynthesis Of antibacterial agent products as secondary metabolites.
Previously (Naoman et.al) reported

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That temperature 35 c, PHS and days A few studies have been done to screen cyanobacteria for
production of antibacterial substances from agricultural field. Possibly the synthesis highly active
toxin in a detains option of cynobacteria in these environments against other organisms like
bacteria, fungi, viruses & eukaryotic microbial. In this investigations out of 80 strains of
cyanoobacterial isolation 5 showed significant in vitro antibacterial effect. The proportion of the
isolates with antibacterial activities was approximately %, 12%, 11%.
As table-1 Nsotoc, anabaena and cylendrosperrmum species produce bioactive substances, which
may have potential for antibacterial activity. Although some of the cyanobacteria produce active.
References :
Browizka, M.A. 1995. Microalgae as sources of pharmaceutical and other biologically active
compounds. J. Appl. Phycol., 7:3-15. ,
Chestumon, A., Miyamoto, K., Hirata, K., Miura,Y. and Hamsaki.A. 1993. Factors affecting
antibiotic production in bioreactors with immobilized algal cells. Appl. Biochem. Biotech., 37:
573-586, .
De Caire, G..Z., De Cano, M.M.S., De Mule,M.C.Z. and De Halperin,D.R. 1993. Screening
of cyanobacterial bioactive compounds against human pathogens. Phyton., 54: 59-65, .
Desikachary, T.V.1959, Cyanophyta, Indian Council of Agricultural Research New Delhi.
Falch, B.S., Konig, G..M.,Wright, A.D.,Sticher,O., Angerhofer, C.K., Pezzuto, J.M. and
Bachmann, H,1995. Biological activities of cyanobacteria: evaluation of extracts and pure
compound. Planta Med., 61: 321-328,.
Floros, E. and Wolk, C.P.1986. Production by filamentous, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria,of a
bacteriocin and of other antibiotics that kill related strains. Arch. Microbiol., 145: 215-219,.
Frankmolle, W.P., Larsen, L.K., Caplan, F.R., Patterson,G.M.L and Knuble,G.1992.
Antifungal cyclic peptides from the terrestrial blue-green alga Anabaena laxa. Isolation and
biological properties J. Antibiot., 45: 1451-1457, .
Hirata, K., Takashina, J., Nakagami, H., Ueyama, S.,Miyam,K.,Kanamori.,T, and
Miyamoto,K.1996. Growth inhibition of various organisms by a violet pigment , Nostocin A,
prodctiosn by Nostoc spongiaeforme. Biosci.Biotech Biochem..,, 60:
Ishibashi, M., Moore, R.E, J. 1986. Scytophycins, cytotoxic and antimycotic agents from the
cyanophyte Scytonema pseudohofmanni.J. Org. Chem., 51: 5300-5306, .

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Ishida, K., Matsuda, H., Murakami,M and Ymaguchi,K.1997. Kawaguchipeptin B, an

antibacterial cyclic undecapeptide from the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. J. Nat.
Prod., 60: 724-726, .
Jaki, B., Helmann, J., Linden, A., Volger.B and Sticher,O.2000. Novel extra cellular
diterpenoids with biological activity from the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune. J.Nat,Prod., 63:
339-343,.
Kajiyama, S.,Kanzaki, H., Kawazu,K,and Kobayashi, A.1998. Nostfungicidine, an
antifungal lipopeptide from the fieldgrown terrestrial blue-green alga Nostoc commune.
Tetrahedron Lett., 39: 3737-3740,.
Koehn, F.E., Longley, R.E. and Reed, J.K, 1992. Microcolins A and B, new
immunosuppressive peptide from the bluegreen alga Lybgbya majuscule.J.Nat. Prod.,613-619.
Luesch, H., Yoshida, W.Y., Moore, R.E., Paul, V.J. and Mooberry, S.L, 2000. Isolation,
structure determination, and biological activity of Lyngbyabellin A from the marine
cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscule. Ibid.,63:611-615.
Moore, R.E., Cheuk.,C.,Yang,X.G and Patterson,G.M.L. 1987. Hapalindoles, antibacterial
and antimycotic alkaloids from the cyanophyte Hapalosiphon fontinalis. J. Ord. Chem., 52:
1036 - 1043, Mundt, S. and Teusher, E.1988. Blue-green algae as a source of
pharmacologically-active compound , Pharmazie,43: 809-815, .
Mundt. S., Kreitlow, S., Nowotny, A and Efffmert. U 2001 Biological and pharmacological
inverstigation of selected cayanobacteria. Int. J. Hyg. Environ.Health,203:327-334.
Noaman, N.H., Fattah, A., Khaleafa, M. and Zaky,S.H.2004 Factors affecting antimicrobial
activity of Synechococcus leopoliensis . Microbiological. Res., 159: 395-402..
Papendorf, O., Konig, G.M. and Wright, A.D.1998 Hirridin B and 2,4-dimethoxy-6-
heptadecylphenol, secondary metabolites from the cyanobacterium Phormidium ectocarpi with
antiplasmodial activity. Phytochem., 49: 2383 - 2386, .
Papke, U., Gross, E.M. and Francke,1997 Isolation, identification and determination of the
absolute configuration on Fiscerellin B,A new algicide from the freshwater cyanobacterium
Fiscerella Muscicola(Thuret), Tetrahedron Left., 38: 379-382, .
Pignatello, J.J., Porwoll, J., Carlson, R.E.Xavier,A., Gleason, F.K and Wood, J.M 1983
Structure of the antibiotic cyanobacterin, a chlorine-cpmtaomomg a-;actpme frp, the fresh water
cyanopbacterium , Scytonema hofmanni, J.Org. Chem., 48: 4035-38,.

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Ploutno, A. and Carmeli, S1997. Nostocycline A, anoverl antimicrobial cyclophan from the
cyanobacterium Nostoc Sps. , J. Nat. Prod., 63:1524-1526,.
Prescott, G.W.1962 Algae of the Western Great Lake Area. W.M.C. Brown Company
Publisher, Dubuqe, Iowa..
Ramamurthy, V. and Raveendran 2009. Anatibacterial and antifungal activity of Sprillum
platensis and Lyngbya majuscule.. , J. Ecobiol., 24 (1): 47 - 52,.
Rho, M., Matsunaga, K., Yasuda, K. and Ohizumi,Y.A 1996. Novel
monogalactosylacylycerol with inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation from the cyanophyceae
Oscillatoria rosea. J. Nat. Prod., 59: 308-309, .
Schlegel, I., Doan, N.T., De Chazol,,N and Smith G.D 1999 Antibiotic activity of new
cyanobacterial isolates from Australia and Asia agains green algae and cyanobacteria. J.
Appl. Phycol., 10: 471 - 479,
Fig.1. antimicrobial activity of selected Cyanobacteria on bacterial pathogens

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INFLUENCE OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON MORPHOGENETIC RESPONSE IN

SHOOT TIP CULTURES OFCUCUMIS MELO. L.cv. BATHASA
Venkateshwarlu.M1, and *Ugandhar.T2

1
Department of Botany, University College Kakatiya University Warangal 506009 (A.P.) India.
2
Department of Botany, SRR Govt. Arts & Science College Karimnagar 505001 (A.P.) India.
*E-mail:tugandharbiotech@gmailcom
==================================================================
ABSTRACT
The application of physical mutagens in tissue culture has been reported by several
authors (Botino, 1975 and Skirvin 1978). There have been numerous investigations on the
effect of ionizing radiation on callus tissue. The effect of ionizing radiation on callus tissue has
been reported in different plant material (Rao and Narayanaswamy, 1975 and Werry and
Stoffelsen, 1981). The evidence of low dose radiation treatment in callus cultures have been
reported (Degani and Pickholz 1973; and Sharma et al., 1983). Effect of gamma radiation on
growth and differentiation of another callus in Datura was reported (Jain et al., 1984).
Stimulatory effects of low doses of ionizing radiations, not only on growth but also on
differentiation in cultured plant cells was demonstrated by several workers (Sharma et al.,
1983).Kochbha and Spiegel-Roy (1978) demonstrated that by irradiation and addition of certain
growth regulators like IAA to the medium the response of Citrus sinensis tissue culture was
enhanced.
Key words:Gamma irradiation, Morphogenetic response, Shoot tip culture.
Abbreviations:IAA= Indole acetic acid; BAP= 6-benzyle amino purine; NAA= Naphalene acetic
acid; 2, 4-D= 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid; EMS= Ethyle methane sulphonate.
MS = Murashige & Skoog medium
INTRODUCTION
Cucumis melo cv Bathasa is an annual climbing or creeping herb with large, soft hairy
leaves and spherical, ovoid or elliptic fruits of varying size and colour. The plant is extensively
cultivated in the warmer regions of the world for its luscious fruits valued as desert. It is
cultivated throughout India, particularly in the hot and dry north western areas. Numerous
varieties and races are known differing in the size and shape of the fruits, thickness, colour and

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markings on the rind, taste, flavor and the colour of the inner flesh and cultural behavior. The
skin may be soft or hard, yellow, green, cream, or orange coloured, with plain netted or echinate
surface markings. The colour of the flesh varies from white to cream-yellow orange or green.
MATERIAL AND METHOD

Shoot tips were cut from the plants growing in green house and were used for the
initiation of the callus on MS medium fortified with cytokinin along with an amino acid, L-
glutamic acid. Growth response of callus on MS medium supplemented with cytokinin and
amino acid was investigated and the results are presented in (Table-1). The maximum
percentages of cultures show growth response on MS +2.0 mg/l L-Glutamic acid and 0.5 mg/l
BAP. The combination of 2.0 mg/l L-Glutamic acid + 1.0mg/l BAP also showed growth
response in increased percentage (Table-I). MS medium supplemented with 1.0-3.0 mg/l BAP +
2.0 mg/l NAA raised the callusing ability and also rooting in cultures. No response was recorded
at 15 kR and 20 kR.
TABLE-1: Influence of gamma irradiation on morphogenetic responses on shoot tip

culture of Cucumis melocv Bathasa. (Seeds)
__________________________________________________________________________
Irradiation MORPHOGENETIC RESPONSES OF SHOOT-TIP CULTURES

kR MS+2.0mg/l Glutamicacid+0.5mg/l BAP MS+2.0mg/l Glutamicacid+1.0mg/l BAP
__________________________________________________________________________
Control Callus + Shoots + Roots Callus + Shoots + Roots
1kR Rooting observed on shoots & callus Green globular callus
2kR Callus developed with single shoot Profused rooting
3kR Profused rooting Small shoot buds with rooting
4kR Shoot-tips died, better callus growth Buds died, better callus growth
5kR Profused rooting Profused rooting
10kR Shoots died after two weeks of culture Browning of callus observed
15kR Browning of callus observed No response
20kR No response No response
__________________________________________________________________________
Data scored at the end of four weeks from ten replicate cultures.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The application of mutagens to plant cell culture and mutant selection from cultured plant cells
has been discussed in several reviews (Skivrin, 1987; Chaleff, 1981; and Meins, 1983). In-vitro
mutagenesis was used to study the effect of gamma irradiation on morphogenesis. Genetic
variability can be induced through in-vitro mutagenesis. In the present studies variation in leaf,
stem induction of callus and multiple shoot formation were observed. Most of the observations
and findings have confirmed the earlier reports. Stimulation was observed in all the explants at
low doses (1kR to 5kR) of gamma irradiation in callus and shoot formation. A combination of
3.0 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l NAA favoured formation of compact and profuse callus which is
very hard in Cucumis melo. On MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/l glutamic acid and 0.5
mg/l BAP green and granular callus was produced. Cultures for a single inoculation period (one
passage) may last for a few weeks to three months depending on the rapidity of growth. The calli
derived from shoot tip explants, when inoculated on MS medium supplemented with auxin or
cytokinin and auxin-cytokinin, divided into fragments and served as inocula on the same
medium of similar composition, when they were irradiated with low doses of gamma rays a
significant increase in fresh and dry weights were observed. Effects of gamma ray irradiation on
shoot and bud formation and rooting efficiency of shoot tip explants cultured on MS + 4.0 mg/l
glutamic acid + 0.5 mg/l BAP was also investigated (Table-I). At higher doses there is a
significant reduction in number of shoots produced and there is total suppression of shoot buds.
Complete lethality and no response was recorded when the irradiation was applied at 15kR and
20 kR.
CONCLUSION
The irradiated shoot tip of Cucumis melo were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with
cytokinins. Callus proliferated from cut ends with only BAP, that too with a poor percentage of
response. 45% of cultures responded for callus proliferation on 2.0 mg/lBAP + 1.0 mg/l 2, 4-D.
The explants derived from seeds treated with EMS at six (6) hours duration produced more
callus and shoots. The number of shoots and callus decreased with the increase of dose and
duration of the mutagen.

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REFERENCES
Bassam Al-safadi and Phillip W. Simon (1990). The effect of gamma irradiation on the growth
of cytology of carrot (Daucus carota L.) tissue culture. Envr. and Exptt. Bot. 30(3): 361-
371.
Botino P. S. (1975). The Potential of Genetic manipulation in plant cell cultures for plant
breeding. Rad. Bot. 15: 1-6.
Deganin and Pickholz D. (1973). Direct and indirect of gamma irradiation on differentiation of
tobacco tissue culture. Rad. Bot. 15: 363-366.
George L. and Rao P. S. (1980).In-vitro generation of mustard plants (Brassica juncea. var. RA
1-5) on cotyledon explants from non-irradiated irradiated and mutagen treated seed. Ann.
Bot. 46:107-112.
Jain, Maher R. K., Chandani N., Sharma D. R., and Chowdhury J. B. (1984). Effect of
gamma irradiation and gibberellic acid on growth and shoot generation in callus cultures of
Datura innoxia. Curr. Sci. 53: 700-701.
Kochba and Spiegel-Roy (1978): The use of tissue culture for mutation breeding effects of
plant growth substances and gamma irradiation on embryogenesis. Pl. Br. Abs. 48: 2.
Meins F.(1983). Heritable variation in plant cell culture. Ann. Rev. Plat Physiol. 34: 327-346.
Rao S. H. K. and Narayanaswamy (1975). Effect of gamma irradiation on cell proliferation

and regeneration in explanted tissue of pigeon pea (Cajnus cajan L.Mill P). Rad. Bot. 15:
301-305.
Shrma A. K. and Chaturvedi H. C. (1983). Stimulatory effects of low doses of ionizing

radiations, not only on growth but also on differentiation in cultured plant cells. Indian Journal
of Exp. Biology. 26: 285.
Skirvin R. M. (1978). Natural and Induced variation in tissue culture. Euphytica. 27:241- 266.
Werry and Stoffelsen (1981). The effect of ionizing radiation on callus tissue in different plant
materials. Theor. Appl. Genet. 59: 391.

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The Role of Traditional Medicine in 21st Century’s Human Health care
P. Pushpangadan and V. George

Amity Institute for Herbal and Biotech Products Development
Ravi Nagar, Ambalamukku, Peroorkada P. O
Trivandrum – 695005, Kerala
Abstract
India has entered 21st century riding bullock-carts as well as jet crafts and using both the
sickle and mechanical harvester. The independent India proclaimed freedom to all its citizens
offering opportunity for leading a wholesome, happy and prosperous life. But even after 60 years
we could not achieve this goal. 21st century is now acclaimed as the century of biology – The
advancements made in Biological sciences if applied appropriately can transform the
biodiversity rich nations like India to economic powers. India, blessed with a uniquely rich and
varied biodiversity, rich traditional knowledge system and above all a literate/skilled and
intelligent human capital is well placed to make such a transformations to happen. Modern drug
hunters consider ethno botany as a cost-effective means of locating new and useful compounds
of great pharmaceutical value. It is well accepted that the possibility of finding a potential
bioactive compound through random screening of plant samples is 1 in 10, 000 and that of
hitting a marketable drug is 1 in 4. In contrast the success rate of finding a bioactive molecule
through selective screening based on ethnobotanical leads is 1 in 100 and that of discovery of a
drug is 1 in 2. Many plant-derived drugs employed in modern medicine were first ‘discovered’
through ethno botanical investigation. According to a survey conducted by WHO, the use of
plant remedies is on the increase even in the developed countries especially among younger
generation. In the industrialized countries, the consumers are seeking visible alternatives to
modern medicine with its associated dangers of side effects and over medication. The leading US
newspaper New York times dated 28.2.’03 reported that side effects of drugs kill more
Americans annually than the World War II and Vietnam War combined. Investigations have
revealed that in the US 51% of FDA approved drugs have serious adverse effects not detected
prior to their approval and that over 1.5 million people are sufficiently injured by prescription
drugs annually that they require hospitalization. Once in hospitals, the problem may be
compounded. The incidence of serious and fatal adverse drug reaction (ADRs) in US hospitals is

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now ranked as between the 4th and the 6th leading causes of death in United States next to heart
diseases, cancer, pulmonary diseases and accidents. The promotive and preventive aspects
prevalent in oriental medicine, especially in the Indian (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Amchi),
and Chinese Systems of medicine are finding increasing popularity and acceptance in the
developed countries. During the last decade, WHO’s Health Assembly has passed a number of
resolutions in response to such a resurgence of interest in the study and use of traditional
medicine.
Key Words: Traditional knowledge, Pharmaceuticals, Bioactive Compounds, Remedies,
Hospitalization, Pulmonary diseases, Promotive and preventive Medicines.
Introduction
The role of food and nutrition is now fairly well understood. With the advancement in
science, molecular biology and genetic engineering, our ability to understand and manage health
at molecular level is manifold increased. It is now scientifically demonstrated that it is possible
for one to achieve a high level of health and well being if one takes right food and nutrition that
suits one’s genetic constitution. Molecular biologists are now busy in designing individualized
food, customized food based on one’s genetic makeup called ‘nutrigenomics’. It has become
very clear that traditional food and nutritional recipes, now called ethnic food are best suited for
the people living in that particular locality or in similar agroclimatic conditions. Towards the end
of the 20th century, this understanding led the health scientists and nutritional experts to
scientifically investigate on the traditional foods and that has led to the discovery that the
traditional food and other traditional nutritional recipes can be best suited for maintaining a
healthy life. It has also led to the development of designer food that suited different groups and
also different categories of people suffering from what is now called life style diseases like
diabetes, obesity, cancer, arthritis, hypertension etc. Functional foods or medicinal food or
pharma food or nutraceuticals are the best treatment regime for curing or managing such
diseases. In future, one may first go to genomic expert who will make a genomic profile and
based on the genomic profile the dieticians will prescribe a new diet regime or a ‘Rasayana’
therapy of Ayurveda or advise for a proteomic therapy or a gene therapy.
21st Century is a ‘Century of Biology, powered and propelled by knowledge and

technology expertise. Electromagnetic radiation turns into masses. The inverse of this process,

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turning mass into energy makes nuclear bomb.The advances in Physics led to the development of
sophisticated instruments for experimentations that gave better understanding of the structure
and functional dynamics of natural objects.Four technologies namely, 1. Biotechnology 2.
Herbal technology 3. Information technology (Bioinformatics) 4. Nanotechnology are going to
be the most powerful elements that are crucial for prosperity and welfare for the people of
nations. Allopathy (Modern medicine) normally single molecules, rigorously tested, structures
optimized, toxicologically cleared, mechanism generally known and clinical trials done. Herbals
have many molecules, safety and efficacy based on experiences of practitioners. Allopathic drugs
known to have severe side reactions (4th – 6th largest cause of death in US) Herbals generally
considered benign. Mechanism not known More than 40 % allopathic drugs are plant based.The
world today has 7 billion people .By 2050 there will be 12 billion people .1.4 billion people
currently live on $1.25 (approx. Rs. 70/-) a day or less. 1.5 billion people in the world do not
have access to electricity. 2.5 billion people do not have access to a toilet facility. Almost 1
billion people go hungry every day.
Traditional diets and nutraceuticals

The key to the development of health foods/pharma foods or nutraceuticals lies in the
value addition in the traditional natural diets. India has over 5,000 years of heritage of health
science wherein food has been given an important role in maintaining healthy life. People living
in different agroclimatic regions of the country had experimented and made a variety of food and
diet and health care products, which is now termed as ethnic foods and ethnic nutritional diets.
Ayurvedic medicine as explained earlier deals with a unique system of management called
‘Rasayana which is essentially a combination of food and medicinal herb recipes intended to
rejuvenate the whole body system and make it fully healthy and functional.
Phytonutrients/ phytochemicals have tremendous impact on the health care system and
may provide health benefits including prevention and treatment of diseases and physiological
disorders. Polyphenols are one of the most widely distributed groups of phytochemicals that are
responsible for the health promoting effects of nutraceuticals. They range from simple phenols
to highly polymerized tannins. They protect plants from oxidative damage and they also play the
same role in humans protecting the tissues from oxidative decay there by acting as antioxidants.
The outstanding feature of these phytonutrients is their ability to block specific enzymes that

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cause inflammation. They also modify prostaglandin pathways and thereby protect platelets from
clumping.
Another class of nutraceuticals is represented by the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)

especially of those n-3 and n-6 fatty acid (FA) families. Current interest is devoted to the so
called fish oils containing a high share of n-3 FA (eicosapentanoic acid [EPA] and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]. It is claimed that these particular FA exert a positive effect on the
development of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases and the beneficial effects of fish oil
supplementation in many other chronic diseases have been advocated. Many recent observations
suggest a potential role of fish oils in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. There are
also indications that premature infants have limited dietary support of the n-3 FA required for
normal composition of brain and retinal lipids.
Nutraceuticals in Ayurveda
The Acharyas of ancient Indian codified systems of medicine namely Ayurveda and
Siddha seemed to have an in depth knowledge and understanding about the delicate relationship
between food, nutrition and health. They also had a clear understanding of the delicate cellular
mechanisms of the body and the deterioration of the functional capacity of human beings. These
ancient medical masters had developed certain dietary and therapeutic measures to arrest/delay
ageing and rejuvenating whole functional dynamics of the body system. This revitalization and
rejuvenation is known as the ‘Rasayan Chikitsa’ (Rejuvenation therapy) in Ayurveda. It is
specifically adopted to increase the power of resistance to disease (enhance immunity) and
improve the general vitiation and efficiency of the human being. ‘Rasayana’ therapy is done for
a particular period of time with strict regimen on diet and conduct. Rasayana drugs are very rich
in powerful antioxidants, hepatoprotective agents and immunomodulators. Rasayana is one of
the eight clinical specialties of the Indian classical Ayurveda, aimed for the rejuvenation and
geriatric care. Rasayana is not a drug therapy, but is a specialized procedure practiced in the
form of rejuvenation recipes, dietary regimen (Ahara Rasayana) and special health promoting
conduct and behavior ie. ‘Achara rasayana’. Sushruta while defining rasayana therapy says that
it arrests ageing (‘Vayasthapam’), increase life span (‘Ayushkaram’), intelligence (‘Medha’) and
strength (‘Bala’) and thereby enable one to prevent disease. There are over 30-35 medicinal
plants mentioned in different treatise of Ayurveda and Siddha having rasayana properties. The
important among them are Sida cordifolia, S. cordata, Abutilon indicum, Tinospora cordifolia,

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Acorus calamus, Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Emblica officinalis, Asparagus

racemosus, Piper longum, Commiphora mukul, Semicarpus anacardium, Centella asiatica,
Curcuma longa Chlorophytum borivilianum, Chlorophytum tuberosum and Dactylorhiza
hatagirea etc.
In ‘Ayurveda’ the term ‘Rasayana’ therapy thus refers to the use of plants or their
extracts as rejuvenators or as an elixir to enhance longevity, to improve memory, intelligence,
good health, promote youthfulness, improve the texture and luster of the skin/body, improve the
complexion and voice, promote optimum strength of the body and sense organs. Rasayana
materials can be special foods/nutritional items, medicinal herbs or a combination of all these
three. Thus the use of the medicinal plants as a source of dietary supplement or as a
nutraceutical is well documented for centuries.
Ayurveda considers that an individual with advancing age accumulates waste and toxic
substances and declines in vitality and loss of resistance/immunity;
• ‘Dhatu Kshaya’ weakening of the functional dynamics of the cell or tissue system of the
body.
• ‘Ojas’ the state of excellent health expressed in general strength, vitality and luster of the
individual – with ‘Bala’ ( immunity against diseases).
• ‘Dhatuvridhi’ i.e. rejuvenation of the whole tissue system is done by ‘Ojasvardhaka
Dravyas’- the substance that improves the functional efficiency and immunity of the
individual. This therapeutic process is known as ‘Rasayana Chikitsa’ – Rejuvenation
therapy.
The ancient Ayurvedic physicians treated every individual as unique. According to them,
normally there cannot be two individuals with same constitutional nature. That they referred as
‘Prakruti’ and therefore, the treatment is prescribed only after diagnosing the constitutional
nature of the individual. This constitutional nature of the individual is based on the ‘Tridosha’
philosophy. The various permutation- combination of the ‘dosha’ in conjunction with ‘triguna’-
the qualitative nature could offer countless variation in the constitutional nature of the individual
and an experienced physician can very well diagnose it. Interestingly, the modern molecular
geneticists also now speak a language similar to this i.e., genomic composition – i.e., DNA
finger print is unique to an individual and we are now talking about gene profiling to understand

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the genetic predisposition and then suggest treatment to correct it, either by proteomic therapy or
using other substances that can alleviate the defects or even the genomic therapy- proteomics,
metabolomics and genomic methods for correcting disorders or treating diseases and
nutrigenomics, genetically designed nutrition or food items. The ancient Ayurvedic masters had
advised to consume specific food that suit to the constitutional nature of the individual whom
they have categorized in to seven major groups. They have insisted certain dos and don’ts with
regard to food and nutrition according to the constitutional nature of the individual (Prakruti).
Modern molecular biology and genetic engineering is offering genetically modified
nutrition/food that suit to the constitutional/genomic background of the individual or designer
drug suited to the individual – known as Nutri genomics and pharmacogenomics respectively.
With the perfection of technology of mapping the human genome, it is now possible to get the
DNA profile of individuals and then develop customized nutrition and treatment regimen.
Pharmacogenomics is the study of the hereditary basis for differences in response of
populations to a drug (Patwardhan etal, 2004). The same view was expressed by the ancient
Ayurvedic master Charaka, some 4000 years ago. Charaka observed that ‘Every individual is
different from another and hence should be considered as a different entity. As many variations
are there in the universe, all are seen in human beings. Patwardhan (2003) referred it as the
Ayugenomics and explained that it has quite clear similarities with the pharmacogenomics that is
expected to become the basis of designer medicine.
An “in-depth study and analysis” of the constitutional concept of Ayurveda namely
‘Prakruti’ with that of the modern genotype will yield highly valuable insight in understanding
the functional dynamics of the human health and can lead to the development of a customized
treatment regimen. Less than 20%of the plant species have been evaluated chemically or
biologically (Cordell, 2003). Approximately 21,200 alkaloids have been isolated and described
out of which hardly 70% have been evaluated in a single bioassay. Out of about 5000
compounds which enter advanced pharmacological development only one will become a drug.
(Cordell, 2005). It is also now a well established fact that drug discovery for a single entity drug
is an inefficient and extremely expensive process and the best choice is to develop
phytomedicine or pharmacomedicine which involve activity guided isolation of fractions of
selected traditional polyherbal formulations and their various permutation combinations. This
way one could develop effective therapeutic remedies gaining increasing acceptance and

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popularity. Such an approach could lead to the development of evidence based herbal
formulations. Automotion and application of nanotechnology, proteomics and metabolomics
may further advance nutraceutical research and development.
A review of some exemplary evidence based research and approaches now resulted in
wider acceptance of Ayurvedic medicine (Vaidya, 2002, Vaidya et.al, 2003). National Botanical
Research Institute jointly with Deenadayal Research Institute, Chithrakoot organized a national
workshop in 2003 that led to the development of a ‘Golden Triangle’ approach (Mashelker
2003). ‘Golden Triangle’ refers to the converging of Ayurveda, modern medicine and modern
sciences to form a real discovery engine (Fig. 1) that can result in newer, safer, cheaper and
effective therapies.
Ayurveda (Traditional wisdom)
System Biology
Approach
Modern Sciences Modern medicine

(Technological advances) (Evidence based clinical
trials/practices)
(Golden Triangle, Mashelkar 2003)
New technologies are constantly being developed to isolate and identify the components
responsible for the activity of these plants. But these technologies should consider and possibly
use the fact that the biological activity of plant extracts often results from additive or synergistic

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effects of its components. Another possibility is the qualitative and quantitative variations in the
content of bioactive phytochemicals, which are currently considered major detriments in its use
as a medicine. Different stresses, locations, climates, microenvironments and physical and
chemical stimuli, often called elicitors; qualitatively and quantitatively alter the content of
bioactive secondary metabolites. Enzymatic pathways leading to the synthesis of these
phytochemicals are highly inducible (Ebel and Costa, 1994). This is particularly true for
phytochemicals that are well documented for their pharmacological activity, such as alkaloids
(Facchini, 2001), phenylpropanoids (Dixon and Palva, 1995) and terpenoids (Trapp and Croteau,
2001) whose levels often increase by two to three orders of magnitude following stress or
elicitation (Darvill and Albershelm, 1984). Thus, elicitation-induced, reproducible increases in
bioactive molecules, which might otherwise be undetected in screens, should significantly
improve reliability and efficiency of plant extracts in drug discovery while at the same time
preserving wild species and their habitats. Molecular biologists and genetic engineers are
currently engaged in designing food and medicinal plants with desired genetic make up so as to
make custom made nutritional composition food or therapeutically desirable agents in plants –
known as nutrigenomics and pharmacogenomics or proteomic approach to healthcare. Another
emerging research area in medicinal plants is the metabolomics and system biology.
Metabolomics is considered as a key technology in the system biology approach to study the
mode of action in the therapeutic activity of traditional medicine and medicinal plants (Roos et
al, 2004; Rao etal, 2004 and Mei Wang et al 2005). By measuring the activity of living
organisms (which can be anything from a cell culture, animals to patients) for extracts with
different composition, possibly one may identify a compound or a combination of compounds
that correlate with the activity. This system biology approach is a major challenge for the
coming years in studying medicinal plants (Verpoorte et.al., 2005)
India showed the way
It was India who has shown to the world that it is possible to revoke patents secured by
developed countries (particularly USA), based on the indigenous biodiversity and traditional
knowledge of the developing countries (Mashelkar, 2001). The case of Ayahuausca in Brazil,
neem and turmeric in India are classic examples. But challenging and revoking patents are
expensive and time consuming which many of the poor developing nations cannot afford. The

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Indian Biological Diversity Act, Costa Rican Biodiversity Law, Philippines EO247, Brazilian
Bill of Access to Genetic Resources, Andean Community’s Common System on Access to
Genetic Resources, AU Draft legislation on Community Rights & Access to Biological
Resources, JNTBGRI/Pushpangadan’s Model of Benefit sharing (Pushpangadan, 2002, 2008) are
some of the laws, policy framework and experimental models developed by the LMCC nations
to protect genetic resources and associated TK.
Plants and the Insect flora
While in food plants our main interest is the carbohydrate / sugars, proteins, fats and
other vitamins, in medicinal plants we look for therapeutically useful chemicals which are
generally termed as secondary metabolites which are not that essential for the normal growth and
development of the plants/organisms. The plants synthesize these compounds to protect
themselves i.e. to adjust, adapt or defend/offend from the hostile organisms or diseases or the
environment. Secondary metabolites useful in medicine are mostly polyphenols, alkaloids,
glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, etc. The production of secondary
metabolites although controlled by genes, their specific expression is greatly influenced by
various factors including biotic and abiotic environment such as climate and edaphic factors or
other associated living organisms. Plants are firmly fixed in soil. They cannot run away when
confronted by hostile environment or by diseases, pests and predators. During the course of
evolution plants have evolved various physical and chemical mechanism to defend and protect
themselves from the vagaries of nature (drought, heat, rain, flood, etc.) and also to defend or
offend the predators or to protect from predators and pathogens. The most successful adaptation
of plants while developing various physiological mechanisms was the production of a variety of
phytochemicals by which they were able to face both biotic and abiotic stresses/threats. In this
process of defense / offence from abiotic stress or the invading disease causing organisms or the
predators (animals, birds, insects and herbivorous animals), the plants synthesize a variety of
chemical compounds.
Apparently plants produce many antioxidants for protecting themselves from the
oxidative stress. These compounds are in general stored in the leaves for other parts like leaf,
bark, hardwood or fruits, etc., so that the predators or the disease causing organisms can be either
knocked down or paralyzes or even got killed. In many cases of plants, the production of the

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secondary metabolites also depends on the association of other living organisms, more
particularly, the plants or soil microbes. Such differential expression of therapeutically active
principles in plant on account of the above said factors appears to have been known and well
understood by the ancient Ayurvedic Masters, when they gave specific instructions in the
procurement of medicinal plants. The classical texts of Ayurveda and Siddha give detailed
directions with various dos and don’ts in collection and processing of medicinal plants. They
insisted collecting certain medicinal plants in certain specific seasons from specific ecosystems
and also during certain particular stage of growth and development of the plants.
Cross pollination increases genetic diversity
There is increasing evidence to show that the varieties, ecosystems and stage of plant
growth development etc. influence the production of secondary metabolism in many medicinal
plants. Almost 35 to 40% of the medicinal plants found in tropical regions are cross-pollinated
species and there exists extensive genetic variability particularly, in the secondary metabolites in
these species. Therefore, in a given population of a medicinal plant species there may be many
plants, which may not have the desired therapeutically active constituents and may only a few of
them have the desired therapeutically desirable constituents. There used to be highly
experienced medicinal plants collectors (‘Bhishagwaras’) in the past who were able to identify
such plants and collect them. It is believed that the plant collectors of the Samhita period
possessed even some kind of intuitive knowledge, so that they were able to pick up the right
plants from a population of a species having variations in their therapeutic contents. It is even
stated in certain classical texts of Ayurveda that those few plants having the therapeutic property
in a large population would speak to those well-experienced medicinal plant collectors with
intuitive knowledge that “I am the one who has the therapeutic ability and therefore collect me”.
We don’t have now such intuitive persons who can understand the language of plants! What we
have today is the scientific expertise with sophisticated analytical tools. We have to use them
appropriately.
Co-evolution and Co-adaption of insect fauna and flora
We know now that the presence of or absence of certain secondary metabolites in

medicinal plants are influenced by a variety of factors, which includes climate / season, edaphic
conditions or the association of other plants and other living organisms. Another factor that

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influenced the production of secondary metabolites in plants are the inter relationship between
plants and the insect flora. It is now generally accepted that the flora and the insect flora in a
tropical ecosystem have been co-evolving and co-adopting. Many of the medicinal plants are
cross-pollinated and they need the help of pollinators. In an open area the wind could do the
function, but in a canopied forest many of the shrubs and herbs growing under the big trees
cannot get wind to pollinate. These plants are thus heavily depending upon the insects or even
the birds to pollinate them. To attract the insects or birds the plants develop pleasant aroma
(essential oils) and provide honey and pollen as food to these pollinator. Many flowers contain
honey or pollen, which are the normal food of many insects and birds. The insects like bees and
butterflies visit flowers after flowers, and take honey or pollen both. During this process they
also carries pollen on their body part, which then help in pollinating while visiting other plants.
Many flowers have structurally evolved flower parts to effect such pollinations by insects. These
insects also multiply on plants. They lays millions of eggs and the larva that emerge from these
eggs then feed on leaves of the plants, sometimes destroying the plants altogether by over
feeding. During the course of evolution the plants began to synthesize certain toxic substance so
that a good percentage of the feeding larva could be killed. The insect on the other hand began
to develop resistance so that many of larvas could survive. The plants on the other hand again
counteracted it synthesizing more and more toxic compounds. This was something like the love
and hate relationship between plants and the insects, which during the course of millions of years
of evolutions have resulted in the synthesis of innumerable chemical compounds, mostly the
secondary metabolites in plants as well as in insects. The variability in living organisms is
indeed the insurance for survival.
The evolutionary origin of cross breeding was indeed a nature’s device for reshuffling of
genes so that new variants could be produced. Similarly, the abiotic conditions also exerted
certain influence in the plants and the plants responded by developing various chemicals. In
extreme drought conditions the desert exert a kind of stress on the plants and the plants evolve by
synthesizing chemicals that would help them to protect from stress induced by the desert
conditions an excellent example for this is the plant Commiphora wightii; an important medicinal
plants used extensively in Ayurveda, Siddha and even Unani under the name ‘Guggul’. The
medicinal part of the plant is the gum exudates from the stem bark of living plants. This gum is
traditionally collected from the desert regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and even Afghanistan.

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When the author joined as Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research
Institute (JNTBGRI) he found this plant growing luxuriantly at JNTBGRI garden. Out of
curiosity the author collected gum from this plant and sent for chemical analysis. To everyone
surprise the chemical data of this gum revealed that it do not contain most of the alkaloids. A
logical explanation that one can offer is like the following: This plant growing in JNTBGRI
botanic garden is located in a warm humid tropical forest region. It has no desert like conditions
and therefore there is no question of any drought induced stress. The same plant when growing
in desert has to confront drought-induced stress and the plant synthesizes the stress beating
chemicals. There are many similar cases that demonstrate that certain specific climatic
conditions and edaphic situations are extremely important in the production of therapeutically
desirable medicinal compounds. Sandalwood is another classical example. The specific aroma
of sandalwood is due to the presence of certain essential oil, chemicals, mostly monoterpenes
and sesquiterpenes. The productions of the specific aroma chemical are fully expressed only in
those sandalwood trees that grow in certain forest regions of Karnataka. The sandalwood
growing in other places in India or elsewhere in the world do not have the same kind of aroma
with the corresponding chemical constituents.
The advancement of molecular biology
With the advancement in modern technology particularly, molecular biology, genetic

engineering, it is possible to take the genetic profile of the individual and based on which it is
possible to prescribe the right kind of food particularly, the protein so that many diseases could
be prevented. The concept of functional food, medicinal food and nutraceuticals reflect this
concept and practice of Ayurveda. Genetic engineers are now planning to develop
‘Nutrigenomics’ and ‘Pharmacogenomics’. We, therefore, have think to integrate it with
Ayurvedic constitutional concept and develop an ‘Ayugenomics’. India has an excellent
opportunity in this new scenario. We have a rich heritage of the Indian System of Medicine like
Ayurveda, Siddha and Unanai. Today we find many theories of pathology of diseases and
curative principles of modern medicine are crumbling down and now an all pervasive antioxidant
theory is strongly emerging. It is now said that you can maintain an excellent health and lead a
productive long life free from any disease, if you can get rid of the oxygen radicals from your
body. It is now understood that most of the diseases are due to the reactive oxidant radicals.
Oxygen as we know is the life gas, (‘Prana Vayu’) without which one cannot live. One needs to

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know and understand the atomic nature and functional dynamics of the atom oxygen to
understand clearly the antioxidant theory of modern medicine.
The decoding and sequencing of human genome has resulted in gene profiling and
understanding the gene functioning and its product which is always a protein leading to the
development of genomic or proteomic therapy. There is also leading to the development of
nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics in modern medicine. The Ayurvedic individualized approach
in diagnosis and treatment now find acceptance in modern medicine. It is now believed that one
could take his/her genomic profile and identify the defective genes which in future could be
replaced by genomic therapy or provide the product of gene, i.e. the protein i.e. proteomic
therapy or undertake a metabolic engineering.
Integration of modern science and technology with ISM do not mean to blindly adopt the
parameters of western medicine. The conceptual and theoretical foundation and basic
philosophy of Ayurveda is very strong and sound. Therefore, Ayurveda can firmly stand on its
own theory and philosophy. What is required to be done is to imbibe the fast growing science
and technology to upgrade and fine-tune the system with the intervention of modern science and
technology. All the scientific knowledge, tools and technology developed in modern science
should be carefully examined and judiciously adopted to suit the concept and practice of
Ayurveda. Blind adoption of modern methods has led Ayurveda in a chaotic situation. For
example, adoption of the modern Binomial Nomenclature of- the naming of a plant with
Binomial Nomenclature has indeed helped in systematically organizing the living organisms.
But it is an artificial method and has no functional taxonomy. The genus name and species name
has absolutely no meaning, whereas the Ayurvedic taxonomy do not end with one name alone.
In addition to the name it provides the habitat of the species and season or developmental stage
etc. for collecting it. When you put all these informations together one is able to collect the right
medicinal plant form the right place (ecosystem) and at the right time. Medicinal plants
collected in such a manner will have the desired therapeutically active compound(s). The
modern taxonomic Binomial Nomenclature does not give any such functional details or accurate
information of the particular plant species. Therefore, it is extremely important for Ayurvedic
experts to develop an appropriate classification, identification of the right medicinal plant using
the Ayurvedic taxonomy along with the modern taxonomy and the additional chemical and

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molecular marker tools so that one could arrive at the right decision on the collection of
medicinal plant. We need to prepare something like a passport data of medicinal plants, which
provide the Binomial Nomenclature and other further functional details like the climate, edaphic
situations or the stage of growth and development of the plants etc. and the chemical and
molecular details. After collecting such plants it may be again subjected to biological evaluation
so that one could fix and develop the reference sample for that particular medicinal plant species.
Such a detailed monographic account of the plant is known as the Passport description of the
plant, just like the passport that we hold with which , one can be traced back to his home. Such
passport data may go a long way in ensuring the sovereign rights of our bioresources and also
will help in preventing any possible biopiracy.
Thus a combination of Traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge and

technology will help in developing therapeutically potential and cost effective drugs from our
bioresources which would help in combating the new and emerging diseases that pervade
mankind.
References
1. Cordell.G.A (2003) Discovery over Gifts from nature now and in the future. Part II
Revista de Quimica 17 13 – 15
2. Cordell.G.A (2005) Some thoughts on the future of ethnopharmacology. Journal of

Ethnopharmacology 100: 5-14
3. Darvill, A.G. and Albersheim, P. (1984) Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 35:
245-277.
4. Dixon, R.A. and Paiva, N.L (1995) Plant cell. 7: 1085-1097
5. Ebel, J. and Costa, E.G. (1994) Int.Rev. Cytol. 148, 1-36.
6. Facchini, P.J. (2001) Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. 52: 29-36.
7. Mashelkar.R.A (2003) Chithrakoot Declaration, National Botanical Research Institute &

Arogyadham convention 2003, Chitrakoot.

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8. Mashelkar, R.A. 2001. Intellectual Property Rights and the Third World. Curr. Science
81:955-965.
9. Mei Wang, Lamers, R.J.A.N, Korthout, H.A.A.J. Van Nisselrooj, J.H.J, Witkamp, R.F,
Van der Heijden, R. Ver[pprte, R.Vander Greef.J. (2005) Metabolomics in the context of
system biology bridging traditional Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology
Phytotherapy Research 19: 173-182.
10. Patwardhan, B. (2003) Ayugenomics-Integration for customized medicine. Indian J Nat

Prod. 19, 16-23.
11. Patwardhan.B, Ashok.D.B, Vaidya and Mukund Chorghade (2004). Ayurveda and
natural products drug discovery. Current science 86 (b): 789-799.
12. Pushpangadan, P. 2002. Biodiversity and Emerging Benefit Sharing Arrangements-

Challenges and Opportunities for India , Proc. Indian natn. Sci. Acad. (PINSA) B68 No.3
pp. 297-314.
13. Pushpangadan, P. 2008. Biopiracy and Traditional Knowledge. Heritage Amruth.

December, 2008. pp. 20-22.
14. Rao. Ch.v. Ojha, S.K. Radhakrishnan, K.Govindarajan, R.Rastogis, Mehrotra.S and
Pushpangadan P, (2004) Antiuleer activity of ulteria salicifolia rhizome extract. Journal
of Ethnopharmacology 91: 243-249.
15. Roos.G, Roeseler.C, Bueter K.B Simmen,U (2004) Classification and correlation of
ST.John’s wort extracts by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, multivariate data
analysis and pharmacological activity. Planta Medica 70:771-777.
16. Trapp.S and Croteai,R. (2001) Ann.Rev.Plant Physiol. Plant Mol.Biol. 52:689-724.
17. Vaidya, A. (2002) Reverse Pharmacology approach. CSIR NMITLI Herbal drugs
development programme, 2002.

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18. Vaidya, A. et al (2003) Ayurvedic Pharmacoepidemiology – a new discipline J. Assoc.

Phis. India. 3, 51.528.
19. Verpoorte, Y.H. Choi, H.K.Kim (2005). Ethnopharmacology and system biology: A
perfect holistic match. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 100: 53-56.

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Herbal Medicine and Indigenous Health PracticesAmong the Koyas of

Khammam District.
Dr.S.Rama Mohana Rao {Department of Botany: SR&BGNR GDC)
G.Ravi (Research Assistant: SR&BGNR GDC)
Email id: Samineni.rao@gmail.com
Ethno botanical studies related to tribal medicine or Ethnomedicine have identified some 45,000
plant species which are available to 550 Indian Tribal communities belonging to 160 linguistic
groups inhabiting In varied geographical and climatical zones.The present survey conducted at
Bhadrachalam & Chintoor areas reg the traditional Knowledge & wisdom of koya Community
revealed that how they are applying the local ambient flora for curing their Diseases.The koyas
of Chintoor and its neighbouring hamlets in the agency area, have their own institutional
mechanisms.
1) Perceive health problems

2) Protect and promote health
3) Prevent and treat illness
4) Provide care to the sick.
Illness , a common and widespread phenomenon prevailing among the koyas is not only a
personal affair.It arises a wide variety of feelings in the sick which makes him to search for
treatment as an immediate problem and choices and alternatives for curing diseases are
considered among the koyas within their socio – cultural frame work i.e the existing knowledge
and Experience of the koyas in relation to identification and curing of Diseases.The traditional
mode of koya medical system involves the following persons

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Traditional
Herbalist Vejjollu Devarlu Patels Pujaries
Or Or Or Or Or
Medicine Sorcerers Witches Tribal heads priests
In the initial stage, the koyas use Home remedies to cure Certain illness and other minor
aliments .It they fail to cure these illnesses by using the home remedies ,they to consult the
traditional herbalist available at their locality or neighbouring villages.Herbalist or Medicine man
is considered as a healer. The work of the herbalist or medicine man involves of the task of
restoring bodily health to any person affected with some illness. This consists of treatment of the
sick in such a way that all the parts of his body regain the form and function, which he had
before illness. This restoration of health is a much desired goal of medicine-man or herbalist.
Generally herbalists among the Koyas use several roots, herbs, leaves and barks of various
plants, and other foods having medicinal values. In general Herbalist or Medicine-man treats all
kinds of illness, but some are specialized in specific illness. The herbalists or Medicine-man
specially cultivates a few plants in their respective kitchen gardens. Many of the herbalists
interviewed were , initially the successors of their parents, and a few were patients, who after
being cured, learned the therapy from their herbalists after paying a certain sum of money. The
Medicine- man or herbalist mixes the plant remedies into paste or in the form of pills(matralu),
so that they cannot be recognized. Medicinal plants used in curing of diseases must be collected
in the morning and evening. Bark of the medicinal plants are removed in the sunlight. The
following plant parts are used to cure various diseases by the Koya tribe.

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Table :-1 plants and their specific parts commonly used in Ethno Medicine
Vernacular name Botanical name and Usable part
Adavi donda chettu Solena amplericaulis leaves
Adavi benda chettu Hibiscus lampa Roots
Adavi nimma chettu Pleispermum alatum Fruits
Balka chettu Ridella montana leaves
Billudu chettu Chloroxylon swietenia Roots and leaves
Bugga jilledu chettu Celtis orientalis Milk and bark
Chedu kakara chettu Momordica Charantia leaves
Chedu anapa chettu Cucurbita maxima Leaves
Danimma chettu Punica granatum Fruits

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Durada chettu Mucuna prurita Seeds
Giritonda chettu Antidesma ghaesembilla Root
Golugu chettu Glycosmis raborea Leaf
Jitty chettu Demia extensa Root
Ganneru chettu Neerium indicum Leaf
Maredu chettu Aegle marmelos Bark
Maddi chettu Terminalia alata Bark
Medi chettu Ficus virgate Leaves and roots
Moori chettu Buchnania latifolia Leaves
Nalla visiri Clitoria ternata Leaves and barks

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Nela tangedu Cassia kleinii Leaves and barks
Nela tadi chettu Myrobalnus bellerica Fruits
Rathna purusha chettu Hybanthus ennespermus Leaves
Rela chettu Cassia fistula Bark
Some chettu Panicum colonum Root
Tippa teega Tinospora cordifolia Root,Leaf
Ummetta chettu Datura metel Bark, Roots& leaves.
Pounding the plant or plant parts into a paste or the extract or squeezing the liquid and
fermentation are common practices among the koyas. Pounded products are generally
administered directly in the form of pills. For Rheumatic swellings either boiled roots, barks,
leaves or the paste of the plant part is applied. Dry plant parts are usually made into powder. In
certain cases Barks or Roots of medicinal plants are chewed and sucked.
Generally Koyas takes the medicine either with fresh cold drinking water or with their
traditional liquor, or with honey as advised by the medicine –man. Several of koya medicines are

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prepared in combination with black pepper. Some of the following diseases are cured by the
koya community by adopting the following treatment methods.
Treatment of Diseases:-
Rompa/Padisam/Jalubu (cold)
Treatment :- The medicine is a combination of Nimma chettu leaves, cheppu chettu leaves,
vavila chettu leaves, and a little bit of turmeric powder boiled together in a vessel. Inhalation of
this steam three to four times a day gives complete relief from colds.
Daggu (cough) :--
Treatment :- The rasam extracted from Karakkaya is given internally twice or thrice a day until
the cough is controlled.They may eat the curry of “Vakudukayalu” for controlling continous
cough.
Headache (Tala Noppi);-
Treatment :- To contol Headache, the koyas collect Allicheemalu from the forest and
crush them and tie them in a cloth. The patient is made to inhale the crushed ants tied in
the cloth and the treatment gives relief from the headache.
Treatment 2;- The paste of sonti (Dried ginger) is applied to the temples(kanathalu) . The
patient gets relief within 10 minutes.

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Jvaram ( Fever) ;-
Treatment ;- To control fever, the pills made out of the paste of the Nela vemu leaves and
Nela tadi tubers are given for two or three days or until the fever is controlled. During the
period of treatment the patient will also be given gruel (java) made of jowar.
Kalla Kalaka :-
Treatment :- To cure the eyes are wiped with drops of water falling from the leaves of
Aamudamu plant(Ricinus communis) for four or five days.
Then the Medicine-man makes an extract from vempala and balla kayala plant and pours
two or three drops of this rasam in the eyes of affected person for three or four days or
until it is completely cured.
Vantulu :-
Treatment :- The paste made out of Nela usiri plant leaves is used to control the vomiting.
The koyas also drink the rasam made out of Danimma fruit or smell the juice of Velaga
plant leaves.
Nadumu noppulu :(Back ache)
Treatment:- The koyas apply the rasam made out of Nela-tangedi and Nela usiri plants
externally, on the pain affected part of the body for two or three days to cure Nadumu
noppulu.

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SKIN DISEASES:
Durada ( Itching):-
A paste made out of the leaves of vepa( Melia azadirachta) and Turmeric powder is
applied externally on the effected part of the skin at least for one week.
Gajji pokkulu (scabies):-
The powder of Kanuga seeds mixed with coconut oil is applied externally on the affected
part of the skin, at least for one week.
Tamara (ring worm);-
The Rasam made out of the leaves of Tammara plant mixed with lemon juice is applied
externally on the affected part of the skin at least for one week or longer till the skin disease
is cured.
Wounds :-
To cure this Discease Rasam made out of the leaves of Maredu plant is applied externally
on the affected part of the skin for two or three days.

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Patcha kamerlu (jaundice)
The koyas eat food with milk , mixed with the paste made of Vellulli (garlic) and the
tubers of Jitti plant at least for five to six days to cure Patcha kamerlu.
Ubbu Kamerlu:-
To treat Ubbu Kamerlu , the affected person eats some chedu kakarakayalu for four to
five days. In addition the paste made out of the barks of kanuga tree is applied externally
on the patients body for atleast five or six days.
Palmu katu (Snake Bite):-
The koyas use Pamu rallu (snake stones) to neutralize the poison due to snake bites. Two
types of snake bites are available to the koyas 1) pedda pamu rai which is taken from the
head of pinjaiv and 2) china pamu rai which is taken from Nagu pamu(cobra) head. The
koya medicine-man keeps pamurallu , on the snake bitten spot for a few minutes.
After absorbing the poison, these snake stones will fall down from the snake bitten spot.
Mean while the medicine man makes a rasam out of the tubers of Tella Eswari and Nalla
Eswari Plants and roots of Putta Veduru Plant, puts two or three drops of the juice in the
eyes of the snake bitten person. After some time the affected person will become normal.
The koyas stated that the person bitten by snakes can not identify the taste of Neem leaves.
The above treatments made by the Koya community of Khammam District is revealed to
the research team,visited to their villages for identifying the Ethano-Medicinal Plants.
Acknowledgements :- Authors are thankful to UGC, for the sanction of Major Research
Project. Authors wish to thank Dr.S.Madhava Rao, Principal S.R&B.G.N.R GDC for
encouragement and providing facilities.

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References:-
1) Hui Tag, A.K.Das & Hari Loyi, Natural Product Radiance vol 6(4) 2007 pp.334-330.
2) S.C.Tripathi & Manjula Sri Vastava, Indian Journal of traditional Knowledge Vol 9 (2)
April 2010 pp.318-320.
3) Muni Samy Anbarashan etal, Ethnobotanical leaflets 14:774-80,210
4) Y.A Ahir rao and D.A Patil; Indian journal of Natural Products & Resource Vol 1 (1)
March 2010 pp 85-88.
5) Koppula Hemadri,etal ; Ancient Science of life vol (6) No.3 January 1987, Pages167-186.
6) C.R.Sahu, etal flora journal.com; vol (1);issue -1 Year 2013, pages 12-20.
7) Kalyani pathak, Ratna Jyoti Das , International Journal of Herbal Medicine 2013 1(3) 86-
89.
8) O.Lawal etal ; African Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology. Vol 4(1) Pp- 001-007;
Janvary 2010.

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WONDER PLANTS (Bhalae chetlu)
Dr.Ch.Ramesh Babu (Lecturer in Botany
Govt.Degree College for Women,Khammam,
Dr.S.Rama Mohana Rao(Lecturer in Botany)
SR&BGNR Govt.Degree & PG.College Khammam
Plants are nature’s finest organic chemists, producing more than 200 thousand small molecules
many of which being secondary metabolites are also useful as medicinal compounds.
The world health organization has been promoting the concept that we must save plants to
save lives. The health for all, Objectives can be achieved only by integrating Ayurvedic and
herbal medicine with allopathic Treatments. It is heartening to note that our country possess
about 8% of the estimated biodiversity of the world with approximately 8000 medicinal plant
species from the flowering plants available in the world. Various organization in the country
have got a critical role to play in the conservation, propagation and cultivation of medicinal
plants.
National Medicinal Plants Board is involved in a big way in situ and ex situ Conservation. To
promote this objective the A.P State Forest Department in Collaboration with ITDA carried out a
scheme such as “Revitalization of Medicinal Plants.”
I along with other associates extensively toured Chintoor, Mothugudem, Tuligonda,

Nakkavaram etc., agency areas which are hot spots for medicinal plants and made Ethno

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botanical survey, Traditional Medical practices and enumerated the plants with the assistance of
traditional practitioners.
Methodology: Ethno botanical survey was carried out in Bhadrachalam revenue division the
survey approach was both interactive and interview based local traditional healers, tribal people,
and rural folk were consulted regarding the dosages and preparation of medicine,and the
herbarium was prepared , after identifying the plant species with the help of local floras and
gamble volumes. The voucher specimen were deposited in Kakatiya University Warangal.
Estimation of the plant species was done according the Benthom & Hooker Classification. The
plant Name,the plant part used and usage for ailments are listed below.
S.No Plant name Family Vernacular Plant part Ailment/ Therapeuticactivity

name
1 Aerva lanata Amaranthaceae Pindikura Root/whole Kidney stone problems
2 Cissampelos Convolvulaceae Adavibanka Root Prevent Urinary Disorders &
pariaira theega Diabetes
3 Cocculus Minispermaceae Katla theega Root & leaf Root- Dyspepsia
hirsutus Leaf- Eczama syphilis
4 Tinospora Menispermaceae Tippa theega Whole Digestive problems
cordifolia Plant Diarrhoea
5 Argemon Papavaraceae Brahma dandi Yellow Scabies Leprosy, Scorpian
mexicana latex sting.
6 Capparis Capparidaceae Adonda Root bark Stomache,piles
zeylanica
7 Crataeva Capparidaceae Ulimiri chettu Root bark Headache
magna leaf Cardiac diseases ,Diabetes
8 Hybanthus Violaceae Ratna purusha Root/Whole Leucorrhoea
enneaspermus plant
9 Bixa oerallana Bixaceae Jaabara kaya Root leaf Snake Bite, Anti periodic

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chettu seed Cancer

10 Scolopia Flacourtiaceae Adavi jonna Bark, Leaf, Diuretic, Snake Bite, Eye
crenata flower diseases
11 Talinum Portulaceae Peddapappu leaf Diabetes, Mouth
portulaci- kooraku Ulcers,Aprodisiac
folium
12 Abelmoschus Malvaceae Adavi kasturi Root Venerial diseases
moschatus Skin disorder
13 Decaschistia Malvaceae Kondagogu leaf Hydrocele
crotonifolia
14 Kydia calycina Malvaceae Kondapatti leaf Body pains, Saliva Deficiency
15 Thespesia Malvaceae Papidichettu Root Goenorrhoea, syphilis
Lampas
16 Pterospermum Sterculiaceae Lolugu chettu flower Headache
xylocarpum
17 Aegle Rutaceae Maredu Whole plant Veneral diseases, digestive
marmelos disorders
18 Murraya Rutaceae Pulavelagu Root bark Snake bite
Paniculata
19 Balanoites Balanitaceae Gara Stembark Leprosy
aegyptiaca
20 Chloroxylan Flindarsiaceae Billudu Leaf Rheumatism, wounds

swietenia
21 Maytenus Celastraceae Danti Stem bark Gastro intestinal disorders.
emarginata
22 Cissus Vitaceae Nalleru Root & Bone fraction Abdominal
quadrangularis stem disorders Dysentery.
23 Cardiospermum Sapindaceae Budda theega Root Diabetes,Diaphoretic,
halicacabum Rheumatism, Nerve disorders

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24 Psoralea Fabaceae Bavanchalu Seed Laxative,Aphrodisiac,psoriasis

corylifolia
25 Madhuca Sapotaceae Sanna Ippa flower Polyurea, leprosy,scorpion
longifolia sting
26 Terminalia Combretaceae Karakaya Fruit Breast Cancer
chebula
27 Plumbago Plumbaginaceae Chitramoolam Leaf Joint pains,Leprosy
zeylanica Powder Typhoid
28 Hygrophila Acanthaceae Neerugobbi Leaf Leucoderma(Bolli)
auriculata Powder
29 Strychnos Logniaceae Musti Bark Snake bite,back pain
nuxvomica powder
30 Ficus racemosa Moraceae Medichettu Bark Urinary Trouble,inflamation
powder
31 Vitex nigundo Verbinaceae Vavili Leaf Joint pains,Goitre,Fits.
powder
32 Dichrostachys Mimosaceae Veluturu Barkpowder Prevents over bleeding during
cinerea menstrual cycle.
33 Hemedesmus Periplocaceae Sugandhapala Root & leaf Blood Purification
indicus Stem
extract
34 Centella Apiaceae Saraswathia- Chewing of Neurosis, stammering
aciatica aku leaves
35 Bauhinia vahli Caesalpinaceae Addatheega Root Promote labour pains during
powder delivery
applying
paste on
back bone
36 Emblica Euphorbiaceae Vusiri Fruit -indigestion,anemia, white
officinalis discharge

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37 Pterocarpus Fabaceae Eagisa Stem Diabetes

marsupium powder
juice
38 Aristalochia Aristolochiaceae Easwari Root Skin diseases,anti toxicant
indica powder
Discussion & Conclusion: The Ethno botanical survey was basically focused on ethno
medicine 38 Angiospermic families were estimated for cure for different ailments And the
therapeutic effect was Skin, Snake bite, Digestive disorders, Cardiac problems as well as
Aphrodisiac. Faced out from various plant parts include leaf, Flower, Fruit, Seeds & Bark.
As the traditional medicinal base is fast disappearing, there is a need for documentation of
indigenous knowledge. In this connection Ethno botanical survey not only gives an insight into
the ethnic medicine, ethnic culture of the study but also about biodiversity of the age old
traditions and yet the efficacy of the crude drug should be scientifically Analysed for the benefit
of mankind. As the study is directed towards identifying the medicinal plants, their potential in
therapeutic use, will certainly prove the way for the discovery of new drugs for the future
generation. It can be Concluded that Preservation (Culture) and Conservation (Biodiversity) are
the need of the hour.
References :
1) Chopra R.N, Chopra I.C, Varma.C.S,Suppliment to glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants,

Volume 1-4, Periodical Expert Book Agency, New Delhi ( 1976).
2) M.Balakrishna etal, Ethno – Botanical survey of Medicinal Plants in Khammam District,
International journal of applied biology and Pharaceutical Technology volume -2 issue 4,
December 2011.
3) Anuradha,u,kumbhojkar, M.S.Vartak,V.D,1986.observations on wild Plants used in Folk
medicine in the rural areas of kolhapur District, Ancient science of life 6,119 -121
4) John ,D,1984.One hundred useful raw drugs of the kani tribes of Trivandrum Forest
division, Kerala, International Journal of Crude drug Research 22,17-39

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5) Coe,F.G;and G.J.Anderson.2005.University of Connecticut,85 lawler road,west

Hartford,ct 06117-2697,USA.Snake Bite Ethnopharmacopoeia of eastern nicargua.jur of
Ethno pharmacology,V.96 (1-2):P.303-323.
6) Jeeven Ram,A.and R.R.Venkata Raju. 2001.certain potential crude drugs used by tribals
of Nallamalais, Andra Pradesh for skin Diseases. Ethno- Botany,13(1&2):110-115)

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ENDANGERED TREATMENT OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL

AMPHEBIAN PLANTS (BRYOPHYTES)
AJAYKUMAR PALIWAL*, M.ARJUN**N.VENU MADHAV***, E.N.MURTHY ***,

M.ARUNA**
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY,TELANGANA UNIVERSITY,NIZAMABAD, A.P
**E.mail:arjunmallaram@gmail.com
Department of Botany, Telangana University, Nizamabad.
*Department of Botany, Higher Education, Bageshwar, Uttaranchal, India.
***Department of Botany, Satavahana University, Karimnagar-505001
ABSTRACT
Paper deals with the study of local amphibian plants flora, and application in curing diseases for
human welfare. Already it has been proved that the liver worts and other bryophytes are used as
a medicine to cure many human diseases and disorders at Himalayan regions of India. Due to the
present environmental conditions are not supporting for existence of bryophytes. This early land
plants love to exist in pure environment, with water source and moist shady places,
Mosses, liverworts, and hornworts belong to a division of the Plant Kingdom known as
Bryophyta – the bryophytes. Morphologically, bryophytes are usually small organisms, typically
green and lacking some of the complex structures found in vascular plants. They do not produce
flowers or seeds, and the majority has no internal mechanism for transporting water or nutrients.
Although they have no roots they do have root-like structures for anchoring and water
absorption.
In ancient times bryophytes have been used as herbal medicines in various parts of the world..
During the middle ages, the large thallose liverworts Mere interpreted according to the Doctrine
of Signatures. The decoction of liverworts was supposed to be effective in the treatment of

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disorders of liver, and that of the "hairy-cap moss" to beautify ladiks hairs. In Polytrichum
juniperinum is still used
Keywords - ethnobotany, morphology, bryophytes, taxonomic treatment, floristic, ethnic uses
INTRODUCTION:
Mt. Kitanglad exhibited seventeen (17) species of medicinal bryophytes. Of these, eleven (11)
are mosses belonging to seven (7) families in eleven (11) genera and six (6) liverworts belonging
to five (5) families in six (6) genera. Mt. Kalatungan exhibited fourteen belonging to six (6)
families in eight (8) genera and six (6) liverworts belonging to five (5) families in six (6) genera.
The moss species with medicinal properties belongs to the genera Sphagnum, Polytrichum,
Rhodobryum, Fissidens, Bryum, Mnium, Dawsonia, Philonotis, Pogonatum, Barbula and
Plagiomnium. The liverworts species include Marchantia, Pallavicinia, Herbertus, Riccardia,
Dumortiera andPlagiochila. The species under study exhibited antimicrobial activity, anti-
tumor, anti-cancer, antileukemic activity and healing effects based from secondary data.
However, the worldwide reduction, fragmentation, and degradation of habitats important for
bryophytes has led to a loss of species richness and genetic diversity. Threats to bryophytes
include deforestation, forest cultivation, land reclamation, urbanization, road and dam
construction, mining, wetland drainage, and over-grazing. Invasive, introduced vascular plant
species can also devastate native bryophyte floras. Bryophytes are threatened partly because of
their Bryologists are becoming increasingly aware of the threatened status of the bryophyte flora,
and resolutions expressing concern have been adopted at various conferences (e.g., Geissler and
Greene 1982, Tan et al. 1991, Koponen 1992, Bisang and Urmi 1995).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Mosses, liverworts, and hornworts belong to a division of the Plant Kingdom known as
Bryophyta – the bryophytes. Morphologically, bryophytes are usually small organisms, typically
green and lacking some of the complex structures found in vascular plants. They do not produce
flowers or seeds, and the majorities have no internal mechanism for transporting water or
nutrients. Although they have no roots, they do have root-like structures for anchoring and water
absorption. Bryophytes range from a few millimeters to half a metre in height; mosses may be

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erect, lateral, or multiple branched in structure. They are found on soil, rocks, and trees
throughout the world, from coastal Antarctica to the tundra of the Northern Hemisphere, and
from the Australian deserts to the Amazon rainforests. Although small in stature, they are an
essential part of the earth’s biodiversity and play a significant role in diverse terrestrial and
aquatic ecosystems; some species even dominate pond and river habitats. Bryophytes assist in
the stabilisation of soil crust by colonising bare ground and rocks, and are essential in nutrient
recycling, biomass production, and carbon fixing. In general, they are very efficient at regulating
water flow by means of an effective water-retention mechanism. They also have an economic
value, whether it is as peat for fuel, horticulture, oil absorption, or as sources for a wide variety
of chemical compounds. Bryophytes have long been used for medicinal purposes and their value
as pollution indicators is also well known. They are also a food source for animals in cold
environments. However, the worldwide reduction, fragmentation, and degradation of habitats
important for bryophytes has led to a loss of species richness and genetic diversity.Threats to
bryophytes include deforestation, forest cultivation, land reclamation, urbanisation, road and dam
construction, mining, wetland drainage, and over-grazing.Invasive, introduced vascular plant
species can also devastate native bryophyte floras.
Bryophytes are threatened partly because of their morphology and reproduction rates. They are
fragileorganisms, sensitive to drought, and have a relatively low growth rate and therefore
desiccate quickly during periods of dry weather. They are highly vulnerable to disturbance and
also extremely sensitive to pollution as they lack a cuticule (a layer on the outer cell surface that
protects thetissue from, for example, harmful chemicals). Bryophytes are also threatened because
of their lack of “image” within the sphere of nature conservation. They are not large, charismatic
species, and this, coupled with a lack of understanding of how they contribute towards ecosystem
functioning, often results in their being overlooked by the general public and conservation
groups.
USES:
New Medical Sources

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One of the reasons for exploring biological compounds in bryophytes is the potential for
medical use. It's a scary thought, but substances we know as pesticides and fungicides that
discourage insect feeding and bacterial or fungal attack are likely to have antibiotic properties
that could prove useful in treating human disease. We know bryophytes contain numerous
potentially useful compounds, including oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, sugar
alcohols, amino acids, fatty acids, aliphatic compounds, phenylquinones, and aromatic and
phenolic substances, but much work remains to link medical effects with specific bryophyte
species or compounds (Pant & Tewari 1990). For this reason, traditional uses named here
should be viewed with caution because we don't know the dosage needed, side effects, or other
precautions that need to be taken. We do know that traditional medicines that may be safe for
one race of people may not be for others. After all, those alive today are descendents of
survivors.
Liver Ailments
Native Americans have used them drugs, fibers, and clothing (University of Michigan, Dearborn
2003). The Doctrine of Signatures (based on the concept that God provided visual cues through
the characteristics of the plants), The most widely known use of bryophytes determined by its
appearance that of Marchantia polymorpha
Ringworm
Riccia spp. were used in the Himalayas to treat ringworm because of the resemblance of the
growth habit of those liverworts to the rings made by the worm
In China, 30-40 species of bryophytes may be found on the shelves of the local pharmacist (Ding
1982). Among . the more common ones are Rhodobryum giganteum and R. roseum to treat
nervous prostration and cardio vascular diseases, the latter being a use that may have scientific
merit (Wu 1982).
Inflammation and Fever
Polytrichum commune has been used in China to reduce inflammation and fever (Ding 1982),
and the Seminole native people in North America used the small mosses Barbula unguiculata and

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Bryum capillare, as well as larger mosses like Octoblepharum albidum, as external applications
for fever and body aches (Sturtevant1954).
Diuretics and Laxatives
The Chinese also use Polytrichum commune as a detergent diuretic, laxative, and hemostatic
agent (Hu 1987).
Gynecology
The absorbent properties that make Sphagnum an excellent bandage also make it suitable for
diapers and sanitary napkins, a practice currently in use by Johnson and Johnson Company (D.
H. Vitt, pers. comm.). Sphagnum has also been used as a contraceptive
Disinfectant and Infections
The Native American Nitinahts also used Sphagnum as a disinfectant (Turner et al. 1983).
Fissidens is used in China as an antibacterial agent for swollen throats and other symptoms of
bacterial infection, and in Bolivia it likewise has medicinal uses. Judith Sullivan (Bryonet, 16
January 2007) reported seeing labels on Chinese medicines that included Grimmia, Atrichum,
Polytrichum, and Thuidium, primarily as anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents.
Polytrichum juniperinum is used there for some prostate and urinary difficulties. In China,
Polytrichum commune is boiled make a tea for treating the common cold and reputedly helps to
dissolve stones of the kidney and gall bladder (Gulabani 1974). Dried Sphagnum is sold to treat
emorrhages (Bland 1971), and S. teres is used to treat eye diseases (Ding 1982). Haplocladium
microphyllum is sold to treat cystitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and tympanitis (Ding 1982).
Lung Diseases
The similarity of Marchantia polymorpha (Figure 2) thalli to the texture of lung tissue caused
Europeans to use that liverwort to treat pulmonary tuberculosis (Bland 1971). The other side of
the coin is the ability of some mosses, especially Sphagnum, to harbor fungi that cause lung
disease. Sphagnum was once thought to harbor Mycobacteria, the genus in which the
tuberculosis bacterium resides, but now it seems that it is not the reservoir for this genus it was
thought to be (Deriu et al. 1995).

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Skin Treatments
Himalayan Indians use a mixture of moss ashes with fat and honey to soothe and heal cuts,
burns, and wounds (Pant et al. 1986), claiming that these ashes heal wounds more quickly (Pant
& Tewari 1989). Among the Native Americans, the Cheyenne in Montana use Polytrichum
juniperinum (Figure 8) in medicines (Hart 1981). In Utah, USA, the Gosuite native peoples used
Bryum, Mnium, Philonotis (Figure 10), and various matted hypnaceous forms crushed into a
paste applied to reduce the pain of burns, bruises, and wounds (Flowers 1957). A mixture of the
thallose liverworts Conocephalum conicum (Figure 11) and Marchantia polymorpha (Figure 2)
with vegetable oils is used in China on bites, boils, burns, cuts, eczema, and wounds (Wu 1977;
Ding 1982; Ando 1983). Sphagnum was used by Native Americans as a carrier for berries that
were rubbed on children's sores the thallus (Pant & Tewari 1989).(Carrier Linguistic Committee
1973). Himalayan Indians have used Marchantia polymorpha or M. palmata to treat boils and
abscesses because the young archegoniophore resembles a boil as it emerges from
Surgical and Wounds
Bryophytes have been used both in treating and incushioning wounds. In Utah, the Gosuite
native people used poultices of Bryum, Mnium, Philonotis (Figure 10), and various matted
hypnaceous forms as padding under splints to set broken bones. But it is Sphagnum that has
gained fame for its use as a
Antifungal Activity
Although mosses are known to harbor fungi and will quickly become infected if kept moist in a
plastic bag, some fungi are inhibited by many species of bryophytes, including many that cause
skin infections. Jennings (1926) reported moss immunity to molds as early as 1926, but the
possibility of using them as a source of antifungal activity seems to have been largely
overlooked. Among these, Hypnum cupressiforme (Figure 20) has remarkable antibacterial and
antifungal effects. The absence of fungal diseases in liverworts led Pryce (1972) to suggest that
lunularic acid, an aging hormone found in liverworts
Antiviral Activity

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The Maoris of New Zealand have used bryophytes to treat venereal disease by packing wet
plants on the infected organs (Frahm 2004). Even viruses may some day be cured by extracts of
mosses, but we cannot simply identify them as "moss" as our ecologist friends have been wanton
to do in reporting the ground cover. For example, van Hoof and coworkers (1981) found no
effect of 20 species of moss extracts on the herpes virus, but earlier Klöcking et al. (1976) found
that at least some peat humic acids possess antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1
and 2, interfering primarily with the adsorption of viruses to host cells. Sphagnum produces
several antivirally active humic acids, and Camptothecium extracts can inhibit growth of the
poliovirus (Witthauer et al. 1976). Nevertheless, actual usage of bryophytic extracts has nbut not
in mosses, might be responsible for liverwort antifungal activity. Banerjee and Sen (1979) found
that the degree of antibiotic activity in a given species may depend on the age of the
gametophyte; Matsuo et al. (1982a, 1982b, 1983) supported this conclusion by demonstrating
that antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, Pythium debaryanum, and Rhizoctonia solani by
Anti-tumor Properties
In the same year as the Madsen and Pates (1952) report of antibiotics in bryophytes, Belkin et al.
(1952-53) reported anticancer activity against Sarcoma 37 in mice, using extracts of Polytrichum
juniperinum. But application of the antitumor activity fared no better and was apparently not
rediscovered in bryophytes for two decades. In 1976, Adamek reported that peat preparations
hold some promise against some types of human cancer. In 1977, Ohta and coworkers (1977)
reported that diplophyllin, isolated from the liverworts Diplophyllum albicans (Figure 22) and D.
taxifolium, shows significant activity (ED50 4-16 µg/ml) against human epidermoid carcinoma
(KB cell culture).
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ETHNOBOTANICAL REMEDIES OF TRIBAL PEOPLE IN THE MAHA-

MUTHARAM MANDAL OF KARIMNAGAR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA
PRADESH, INDIA
E. NARASIMHA MURTHY, N. VENUMADHAV & M. ARJUN1
Department of Botany, Satavahana University, Karimnagar-505 001
1
Department of Botany, Telangana University, Dichpally0593322
E-mail: murthyen@yahoo.co.in; nalimela0@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Several field trips were conducted during 2011-2013 to document the botanical knowledge of the
ethnic tribes inhabiting in the Maha-Muttaram mandal. Here we reported more than 20 ethno-
medicinal plants from the tribal people inhabiting the mandal. They are remedies for various
ailments. These ethno-medicinal plant specimens are preserved in the Satavahana University
Herbarium, Karimnagar.
INTRODUCTION:
. In a developing country like India, where major portion of its population is

residing in rural and tribal areas and which have their own culture specific medical heritage, the
health policy makers and health care planners are not left the tribal areas and the rural areas for
many health care programs even met with stiff resistance. While local people usually welcome
the provision of hospitals and public health programs, the shift to using biomedicine often means
that healing traditions are eroded and traditional knowledge lost in the process. This paves great
flaw to their native medicine system. Before the existence of ethno-medicine from the tribal
community, it is necessary to document and understand this culture-specific medical heritage.
(K.S. Brumot & T.S. Naidu, 2007).Among the scheduled tribes of Andhra Pradesh, Erukalas,
Gonds,Koyas and Lambada are the major communities in the Karimnagar district. Of several

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natural forest ecosystems in the district Ramagiri and Mahadevpur are known for their medicinal
flora. Kapoor & Kapoor (1980) were the first to pay attention publish the medicinal plant wealth
of Karimnagar district. Later, Hemadri (1990) reported 436medicinal plants of the district( just
mere names and vernaculars) . Ravishankar (1990) studied the ethnobotany of Karimnagar
district, along with the adjacent Adilabad district. An estimation of local dependency on forest
was made by Reddy V.M. (1996) and Rao et al (1998). Rao etal (1998) reported 30-33 plants
used in ethno-medicine by the tribals of Mahadevapur. There are ethnobotanical studies with
emphasis on ethnoveterinary medicine in the neighbouring district of Warangal (Reddy et al
1992) and Nalgonda (Reddy & Raju 2000). C.S. Reddy et al (2001) made an attempt to study the
ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by the Gonds of Karimangar district. Naqvi (2001)
recorded not more than 150 ethno medicinal plants from the Karimnagar district in his Ph.D.
thesis.
STUDY AREA:
The district lies on the northern part of Andhra Pradesh approximately between
the latitudes 18 deg and 19 deg and longitudes 78 deg. 30 mn and 80 deg 31 min. The district is
bounded on the north by Adilabad district, on the west by Medak District,on the North West by
Nizamabad on the South by Warangal District and on the East by Godavari River. The forest in
the district are grouped into two divisions viz. Karimnagar East Division and Karimnagar West
Division. The east division consists of four ranges viz. Azamnagar, Bhupalapalle, Chintakani and
Mahadevpur while the west forest contains five ranges viz Jagitial, Raikal, Koidmial,Manthani
and Sircilla. The forest of this district fall under Tropical dry deciduous and Tropical thorn forest
types consisting of mixed teak and miscellaneous type of corporation. The dominant Scheduled
Tribes Communities are Koya (Dorasattam) and Gond. The Scheduled Tribe Population is
concentrated in the Revenue mandals of Maha-mutharam, Mahadevpur, Malharrao,
Ellareddypet,Husnabad, Kataram and Sarangapur At Mahadevpur forest range Nayakpod
(Padmanayaka), Koya (Dorasattamu) are found among Local tribes with different habits, cultures
and socio economic backgrounds. Of these Koyas are mainly settled cultivators, but depend
largely upon the near by forests for non-timber products. Nayakapods are primarily agriculturists
and shifting cultivaters. They also collect forest produce. Lambadas a gypsy non-local tribe are
largely workers, at places, settled agriculturists.

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Ethnobotanical survey included repeated interviews with aged ethnic people, local herbal
healers, shepherds, tribal headmen, owners of cattle herds, etc., in different seasons for two
consecutive years. Several field trips were conducted between the years 2004 to 2006 in the
sanctuary area to record the utilization of the plant wealth used by the local tribal communities.
The data were collected through questionnaires, discussions among the tribal people in their local
language. The information on useful plant species, parts used, local names and mode of
utilization was collected. The data collected were further verified and cross-checked in different
villages with different tribal sub communities. Plants used in their daily needs were also
collected. The plant specimens were pressed and deposited in the Herbarium of Botany
Department (KUH), Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India. The sorted
information on ethnobotanical knowledge of tribal inhabitants is enumerated under
alphabetically by botanical names of plants, name of the family is given in parenthesis and their
local names, habit, distribution, and phenology are given.
ENUMERATION
Ceriscoides turgida (Roxb.)Tirvengadam (Rubiaceae)
Vern.: Tella velaga kaya
An armed deciduous tree.
Occasional in dry deciduous forests
Fl.: & Fr.: Mar.-Jul.
Fruits edible, fruits are cooked and taken in Anaemia and constipation
Phyllanthus reticulatus Poiret in Lam. (Phyllanthaceae)

Vern.: Pulicheru
Large shrub.
Common in hedges and at the foot hills of forests.
Fl.&Fr.: July-March
Roots of Phyllanthus reticulatus and bark of Aegle marmelos (Maredu), grinded with fruits of
Feronia elephantum (Velaga kaya) in water and given in Diarrhoea.

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Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae)

Vern.: Chitramoolamu
Annual erect herb.
Occasional in waste lands, hedges and forests.
Fl.&Fr.: Sept.-Dec.
Roots are grinded with water and paste is applied on wounds and warts
Buchanania axillaris (Desr.)Ramam (Anacardiaceae)

Vern.: Pedda morli
Medium sized tree.
Occasional in hilly forest areas in all districts.
Fl.&Fr.: June-Dec.
Gum swallowed in the form of tablets in chest pain and body pains
Shcleichera oleosa (Lour.)Okem. (Sapindaceae)

Vern.: Pusuku
Large deciduous tree.
Common in dry deciduous forests.
Fl.& Fr.: Jan.-Apr.
Stem bark is grinded with milk, and paste is applied on wounds
Litsea glutinosa (Lour.)C.B. Robinson (Lauraceae)

Vern.: Nara mamidi
Moderate sized evergreen, very variable tree.
Common in hill forests.
Fl.&Fr.: June-April.
Crushed stem bark is bandaged on broken limbs
Cassia occidantalis L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Vern.: Namili vittulu

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Erect, glabrous undershrubs.

Common in all plains.
Fl.& Fr.: throughout the year
Seeds are grinded and paste is applied in conjunctivitis
Urginea indica (Roxb.) Kunth. (Lilliaceae)

Vern.: Nall ulligadda
Bulbous herb.
Occasional in plains and on hills.
Bulbs are crushed and taken in fevers
Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.)Merr. (Anacardiaceae)

Vern.: Dumpidi
Common in deciduous forests.
Fl.&Fr.: Mar.-May.
Stem bark is grinded, paste is applied on wounds and used as galactagogue
Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae)

Vern.: Nalleru
Rambling shrubs.
Common in scrub jungles, wastelands.
Fl.& Fr.: June-Dec.
Whole plant is crushed and used as bandaged on wounds
Azima tetracantha Lam. (Salvadoraceae)

Vern.: Uppu-chekka
Straggling, armed, bushy shrub.
In hedges, thorny scrub jungles.
Fl.&Fr.:

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Root bark is grinded, with the stem bark of Dichrostachys cineraria used, and fermented and
take one glass of juice in early morning with empty stomach in Rheumatism.
Madhuca indica J. Gmelin (Sapotaceae)

Vern.: Ippa chettu
Abundant in forests, occasional on hills and in villages.
Fl.&Fr.: March-Sept.
Stem bark crushed with Cow urine and taken in Arthritis.
Celastrus panicualtus Willd. (Celastraceae)

Vern.: Maneti teega
Climbing shrub.
Common in dry forests.
Fl.&Fr.: Apr.-Dec.
Seed oil is applied in Knee-pains and Paralysis
Pongamia pinnata (L.)Pierre (Fabaceae)

Vern.: Kanuga
Medium sized, evergreen tree.
Common along river banks, often planted.
Fl.&Fr.: Feb.-Oct.
Seed paste is applied in Scabies
Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae)

Vern.: Guruvinda
Stragglers.
In hedges and among bushes in open lands.
Fl.&Fr.: July-Dec.
Seed paste is applied on swellings to heal.
Phyllanthus emblica L. (Euphorbiaceae)
Vern.: Usiri

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Medium sized tree.

Common in dry deciduous forests/cultivated.
Fl.&Fr.: Oct.-Dec.
Fruit juice is mixed with Garlic juice is dropped in dental problems.
Calycopteris floribunda (Roxb.)Poiret in Lam. (Combretaceae)

Vern.: Teega dhari, Bonth teega
Scandent climbing shrub.
Fl.&Fr.: Feb.-May.
Root bark is grinded with roots of Ellipta prostrate L. , used in Snake bite
Cassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Vern.: Rela
Small deciduous tree.
Fl.&Fr.: Mar.-Dec.
Stem bark paste is applied on Scorpion bite
Cassia tora L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Vern.: Tagirisa
Annual herbs.
Common in all plains, fallow lands, and in forest undergrowth.
Fl.& Fr.: Sept.-Dec.
Leaves are cooked and eaten in Anaemia
Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.)A.Juss. (Meliaceae)
Vern.: Somida
Lofty glabrous tree.
Common in the dry forests of most districts.
Fl.&Fr.: Apr.-Oct.
Bark crushed with water to control dysentery and Cough

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There are 20 medicinal plants, including the six ethnoveterinary species, used by the tribal
people in the revenue mandal. They are mainly used in the chest pain, Anaemia, Snakebite,
Scorpion bite, Conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, indigestion, and rheumatism etc. Of the species, 10 are
trees, 4 shrubs, 4 climbers, and 2 herbs. Of the list, usually there one species each of a family but
for Caesalpiniaceae, which has three while Euphorbiaceae, Papilionaceae, Anacardiaceae
represent with two species each. Of the plant parts used, stem bark is used in most of the
preparations, followed by root, leaf , fruits, seeds and bulbs. Root paste of Plumbago zeylanica is
used to relieve pains. Leaf juice of Bauhinia racemosa is dropped in Conjunctivitis. Gum of
Buchanania lanzan is used for chest pain. Seed oil of Celastrus paniculatus is applied in
Rheumatism. Root paste of Calycopteris floribunda is useful in snake bite. Crushed bark of
Cassia fistula is applied on scorpion bite. Most of the medicinal plants are used singly. This data
provide basic source for further studies aimed at conservation, cultivation, improvement of
traditional medicine and economic welfare of rural and tribal population of the region
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We gratefully acknowledge Prof. V.S. Raju, Department of Botany, Kakatiya University,

Warangal for encouragement. We thank the tribal people inhabiting in the Maha-mutharam
revenue Mandal for revealing their traditional botanical knowledge.
REFERENCES:
Brumot, K.S. & Naidu, T.S. 2007. National Seminar on Tribal medicinal system and its
contemporary relevance”. – Alluri SeetharamaRaju centre for Tribal Studies & Research.
Hemadri, K. 1990. Contribution to the medicinal flora of Karimnagar and Warangal disitricts,
Andhra Pradesh. Indian Medicine 2:16-28.
Kapoor, S.L.,Kapoor, L.D. 1980.Medicinal plants of the Karimnagar district of Andhra

Pradesh. Bull. Medico-Ethnobot. Res. 2:120-144.

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Naqvi, A.H., 2001. Flora of Karimnagar District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Ph.D., Thesis, Kakatiya
University, Warangal.
Rao, J.V.R., Nagulu, V., Srinivasulu, C., Reddy, V.M. & V.V. Rao, 1998. An ecological
frame work for the socio economics of tribal dependence on Natural resources in Mahadevpur,
Karimnagar district, pp.223-235. Proc. Nation. Symp. on Conservation of Eastern Ghats, EPTRI,
Hyderabad.
Ravishankar, T. 1990. Ethnobotanical studies in Adilabad and Karimnagar districts of Andhra

Pradesh, India. Ph.D., Thesis, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.
Reddy, C.S., Nagesh, K., Reddy, K.N. & Raju, V.S. 2003. Plants used in Ethnoveterinary
practice by Gonds of Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh. J. Econ. Tax. Bot. 27:631-634.
Reddy, V.M. 1996. Ungulate ecology and tribal dependence on forest ecosystem at Mahadevpur
Reserve Forest, Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh. Ph.D., Thesis. Osmania University,
Hyderabad.

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Ethnomedicinal plants used to cure Digestive disorders
Dr. Ratna Manjula, R.

Lecturer in Botany, Government Degree College, Rammannapet, Nalgonda District, Andhra
Pradesh, 530 003, India (Email Id: rreatnamanjula1973@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants have proved to be effective for prevention and cure of various disorders.
Their use against digestive disorders is very common at household level. The future generations
can benefit, in case this knowledge is documented after its validation. Participatory Rural
Appraisal (PRA) methods and tools were used for interacting with the tribal women who were
used as the main source of information. Scientific validation helped to determine the
pharmacognosy and pharmacology status of the plants. The sources used for scientific validation
were mainly the view of the experts and scientific literature besides adding the social value
considering the views of Vaidyas. The identification validation and documentation of the plant
material from the Khammam forest of Andhra Pradesh reveal that 24 species belonging to 23
genera and 22 families were used for digestive disorders. Most of them were herbs closely
followed by trees. The common Digestive disorders are indigestion, stomach ache, Ulcers,
Gastric trouble and Diarrhea/Dysentery. They were used for their preventive and curative
properties. Most of these plants were available in the vicinity or their parts were available in
form of spices at the household level. These indigenous methods of treatment based on medicinal
plants are still an important part of social life and culture in Khammam. The claimed therapeutic
values of the reported species are to be critically examined to establish their safety and
effectiveness and to preserve these flora, which may otherwise be extinct due to deforestation.
Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Digestive disorders, Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh
INTRODUCTION
Khammam district came into existence on October 1, 1953. It was carved out from the taluks of
Warangal and East Godavari districts and occupies an area of 16,029 km2 covering 46 Mandal
Praja Parishads. It lies between 16° 45' and 18° 35' North latitude and between 79° 47' and 80°

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47' East longitude. The total population of the district is 25, 78, 927 of which 6, 82,617
(26.46%) are scheduled tribes as per 2001 census. The district presents a rough topography with
dissected uplands and hills, which sometimes exceeds 600 m. Temperature varies from 10 to 44°
C. The average rainfall of the district is 1045 mm. The main tribes of the district are Koyas,
Gonds/Naikpods, Lambadas and KondaReddis. The district has more than 52.6% forest land
with 4 divisions. Dry deciduous, moist deciduous, riparian, scrub and grass land forest types are
predominant. Though digestive disorders are important diseases exclusive studies on it are not
many necessitating the present investigation in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh state.
METHODOLOGY
An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among the tribal communities of the district. Elder
people, medicine men, tribal physicians and village old mothers were consulted to record first-
hand information on ethnomedicinal uses, methods of preparation and administration of crude
drugs. The information from the tribal people was compared with literature. The voucher
specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Botany, Andhra
University,Visakhapatnam.
Enumeration
Abelmoschus moschatus Medic. MALVACEAE

VN: Yerra benda S: Latakasturika H: Maskdana E: Musk mallow
Equal quantities of fruit peel along with fruit pulp of albakara and tender leaves of Syzygium
cumini are ground. Ten g of that paste is administered with water once a day for 3 d.
Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa. RUTACEAE

VN: Maredu S: Bilva H: Bilva E: Bael tree
Three spoonful of root decoction is administered daily once till cure.

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Allium sativum L. LILIACEAE

VN: Tellagadda S: Lasuna H: Lasun E: Garlic
Bulbs with leaves of Andrographis paniculata and Coleus amboinicus are taken in equal
quantities and ground. 2 spoonfuls of paste is administered daily once for 8 d.
Averrhoa carambola L. AVERRHOACEAE

VN: Zeera, Carambola apple E: Carambola apple
One spoonful of fruit powder is taken with honey or sugar syrup once a day till cure.
Basella rubra L. BASELLACEAE

VN: Yerra bachli S: Upodika H: Poi E: Indian spinach
Two spoonful of root decoction is administered daily once for till cure.
Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. BURSERACEAE

VN: Anduga S: Sallaki H: Kundur E: Indian olibanum
Twenty ml of seed decoction is administered once a day for 5 d.
Carica papaya L. CARICACEAE

VN: Boppayi S: Eranda H: Papaya E: Papaya tree
Latex is dried in sun light and made into powder. Half spoonful of powder is administered with
water.
Costus speciosus (Koen.) Sm. ZINGIBERACEAE

VN: Chengalva kostu S: Canda H: Kebu E: Spiral ginger
Thirty ml of tuber juice is taken twice a day for 5 d.

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Curcuma aromatica Sal. ZINGIBERACEAE

VN: Kasthuri dumpa, S: Aranya harida H: Jangli-Haldi E: Wild turmeric
Fifteen ml of whole plant decoction is taken twice a day for 15 d.
Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. CUSCUTACEAE

VN: Pachiteega E: Horse tail parasite
Three spoonful of whole plant decoction mixed with one spoonful of crystal sugar is
administered once a day for 5 d early in the morning.
Entada rheedii Spreng. MIMOSACEAE

VN: Bojje, Gilla teega S: Gilla E: Giants rattle
Fifteen ml of root decoction is administered daily once for 3 d.
Mentha spicata L. LAMIACEAE

VN: Pudhina E: Spearmint
Leaf decoction is administered in 50 ml dose once daily.
Musa paradisiaca L. MUSACEAE

VN: Arati S: Vakalakshmi H: Kela E: Plantain
Flower juice is taken daily in doses of one spoonful once a day till cure.
Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl.) Haw. CACTACEAE

VN: Naga jamudu S: Vidara-visvasaraka H: Nag phana E: Prickly pear

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Twenty ml of root juice is taken along with half spoon of black pepper powder twice a day for 3
d.
Oxalis corniculata L. OXALIDACEAE

VN: Pulichintha S: Cangeri H: Tinpatiya E: Indian sorrel
.
Ten ml of leaf paste is administered with a cup of butter milk thrice a day for 3 d.
Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels EUPHORBIACEAE

VN: Rasa usiri E: Country gooseberry
Thirty g of fruit pulp mixed with one spoon of honey is administered twice a day till cure.
Plumbago rosea L.PLUMBAGINACEAE

VN: Yerrachitramulamu S: Dahanah H: Lalcitra E: Rosy flowered lead-wort
One spoonful of whole plant paste is taken with a cup of curd twice a day for 5-7 d.
Plumbago zeylanica L. PLUMBAGINACEAE

VN: Tella chitramulam S: Chitraka H: Chitta E: Ceylon leads wort
a) One spoonful of stem bark powder is taken with water once a day till cure.
b) Roots are ground along with cumin seeds, asafoetida, dried ginger and soamp and made
into tablets of soapnut seed size and one tablet is administered before lunch once a day
till cure.
Punica granatum L. PUNICACEAE

VN: Dhanimma S: Dadimasara H: Anar E: Pomegranate

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Fruit coat pestled with stem bark of Alstonia scholaris is administered in doses of 5 g tablets
once a day for one month.
Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. FABACEAE

VN: Kisureu chettu S: Jayanti H: Jhijan E: Common sesban
A spoonful of seed paste mixed with a spoon of honey is administered thrice a day for 3 d.
Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken. SAPINDACEAE

VN: Buchi manu S: Kosamra H: Kussum E: Lac tree
Two spoonful of stem bark decoction mixed with one spoon of fruit powders of Terminalia
chebula, T. bellerica and Phyllanthus emblica is administered twice a day for 5-10 d.
Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. TILIACEAE

VN: Chiru sitrika S: Jhinjharita H: Mendurli E: Bur weed
Ten ml of root decoction is administered twice a day for 3-5 d.
Vanda spathulata (L.) Spr. ORCHIDACEAE

VN: Nusti badanika E: Wild celery
Twenty ml of leaf juice is taken twice a day for 10 d.
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. RHAMNACEAE

VN: Regu S: Kola H: Kuvala E: Indian jujube
Fruit pulp is taken in 3 spoonful dose along with 3 spoonful of sugar twice a day for 7 d.

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The present study yielded 24 species belonging to 23 genera and 22 families used for curing
digestive disorders by the aborigines of the state. Nearly half of them are herbs (9) and the rest
are trees (8), shrubs (4) ,climbers (2), and phylloclade(1). Only two families namely
Plumbaginaceae and Zingiberaceae are represented by two species each and Averrhoaceae,
Basellacea, Burseraceae, Caricaceae, Cuscutaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Lillaceae,
Malvaceae, Mimosaceae, Musaceae, Orchidaceae, Oxalidaceae, Plumbaginaceae, Puniaceae,
Rhamnaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, and Taliaceae are the families representing one family
each. Except two all the practices (24) involved one plant only. The combination practices
involved 2 plants and 3 plants. The common Digestive disorders are indigestion, stomach ache,
Ulcers, Gastric trouble and Diarrhea/Desentry. The common dosage forms include paste,
decoction, juice. The forests are rich in medicinal plants, many are still not known to us. Present
investigation indicates that the forests are blessed with magnificent diversity of ethno-medicinal
plants used to cure many diseases. The present study will give new incentive to the traditional
system of healthcare. Further, this approach for the treatment of skin diseases is a practical, cost-
effective and biological safe.
SUGGESTIONS
Tribal people use number of locally available plant parts for prevention and cure of digestive
disorders. These plants are used as they have been found to possesses properties which are
effective against digestive disorders. The use of different parts of the medicinal plants not only
help to decrease the cost of medication but are also locally available, with least side effect as
compared to chemical based medication. Paul and Ramanathan (2002) reported that nearly
seventy five per cent of the 121 plants derived prescription drugs used world wide, were
discovered following leads from indigenous medicine. The use of these medicinal plants should
be encouraged through the dissemination of the knowledge among the masses. This will help to
ensure the preservation and continuous passage of this effective knowledge on the use of various
plants for prevention and cure of health related disorders.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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The author are grateful to the tribal’s of Khammam district for sharing their valuable knowledge
and help during the field trips.
REFERENCES
1. Singh B & Chaurasia OP, Medicinal flora of India Cold Desert, Acta Hort, 523 (13),
(2000) 65-72.
2. Jain SK. Dictionary of Indian Flok Medicine and Ethonobotany, ( Deep Publications),
New Delhi, 1991.
3. Parmar NS, Parmar S. Anti-ulcer potential of flavonoids. Indian J Physiol
Pharmacol. 1998;42:343–51.
4. Goel RK, Sairam K. Anti-ulcer drugs from indigenous sources with emphasis on Musa
sapientum, Asparagus racemosus and Zingiber officinale. Indian J
harmacol. 2002;34:100–10.
5. Khuroo AA, Khan ZS & Dar GH, Ethnomedicinal survey of Uri, Kashmir Himalaya,
Indian J Traditional Knowledge, 3(4) (2004) 351.
6. Dhar U, Rawal RS & Upreti J, Setting priorities for conservation of medicinal plants- a
case study in the Indian Himalaya, J Biol Conserv, 95 (2000) 57.

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Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of certain medicinal plants

from Kothagudem, A.P.
V.V.Ramana, Lecturer in Botany,
Singareni Colleries Womens Degree College, Kothagudem,A.P.
Abstract
Kothagudem in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh is a Coal town with tribal hamlets
around it. Ethnobotanical studies were conducted in this area and a few plants like Bauhinia
vauhlii, Chloroxylon Sweitinia, Alangium lamarckii and Celastrus senegalensis which are widely
used by the tribes were selected for the study. Physicochemical studies like total ash, acid
soluble ash and Phytochemical tests for compounds like sterols, terpenoids, sugars, alkaloids and
saponins were conducted.
The antimicrobial activity of leaf and bark extracts were tested on different microbial
cultures like E.coli, Salmonella species, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Aspergillus in different
concentrations using filter paper disc diffusion method and the degree of inhibition is studied.
Inview of the popularity of herbal medicine, this was taken up and the susceptibility of the
organism was tested.
Introduction :
Kothagudem, in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh is a Singareni coal town with

many tribal hamlets around it. The town is surrounded by thick forests with diversified
vegetation.
Plants have been used as source of medicine throughout the world for more than 5000
years and still continue to occupy a prime place in traditional as well as in modern medicine.
These days the interest in the field of herbal medicines and plant natural products has
been increased. Therefore, it has become necessary to have systemic knowledge, about the herbal
drugs, their application and practical utilization.

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Medicinal plants play an important role in human health care. Most of the supply of the
drugs is obtained from wild plants (Mundappa & Amen 1998). Ethno medicines are receiving
great attention all over the world; hence there is an urgent need to lay emphasis on receiving the
heritable knowledge on the medicinal plants. But some plants have already become extinct, some
plants like Chloroxylon are vulnerable and many are facing a danger of extinction. Hence a
survey was carried out for native medicinal plants in the vicinity of Kothagudem and selected
four plants which are widely used by the local tribes for the study. The selected Plants are
Bauhinia vauhlii, Chloroxylon sweitinia, Alangium lamarckii and Celastrus senegalensis.
Phytochemical tests were conducted and anti microbial studies were carried out on the selected
plants.
Description of the plants:
Bauhinia vahlii, W& A. Family ceasalpinaceae, Vern. Adda tiga (Telugu) :
The plant is tolerably common in the damper parts of Telangana forests. It is the largest
of the climbing plants of the forest; and attains a size of 3-4 feet in girth and 100 feet long. It is a
gigantic, climbing evergreen tree. Branchlets are densely pubescent and terminating in a pair of
revolute tendrils. Leaves are variable in size, often up to 18” diameter, as broad as long or
broader, deeply cordate. The large leaves are used for making plates for eating from and rough
umbrellas, etc.,
Photograph no.1. Bauhinia vahlii from Seleru area.
Chloroxylon swietenia, DC.; Family Meliaceae, Vern.billudu (Tel) :

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Chloroxylon is the satin wood of commerce. It is endemic to India and Srilanka.

Commonly found in most forests in the Telingana region. It is a moderate–sized deciduous tree,
with a thick, soft, spongy, bark light grey or yellow. Young parts, petioles and inflorescence
clothed with short grey pubescence. The crushed leaves have a fragrant resinous smell and are
applied to wounds. The bark is used as astringent. In addition to its medicinal value, it has insect
repellent property. The tribes hang the twigs in their houses to repel mosquitoes and insects.
It is listed as vulnerable species (World Conservation Monitoring Center, 1992)
Photograph no. 2. Chloroxylon swietenia from Kinnerasani bioregion.
Alangium lamarckii, Thwaite.; Family Cornaceae, (Alangiaceae) Vern.udugu (Tel) :

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Varying in size from a large shrub to a considerable tree, branches often spine scent. Bark
grey, when young orange-yellow, fibrous. Leaves are alternate and membranous. Flowers are
bisexual whitish, fragrant, solitary or aggregate in the axils of the leaves.
The plant is very common, found throughout the Hyderabad forests. It is usually a small
tree, but often attains a height of 20-30 feet, with a circumference of about 30 inches. It yields a
first class fuel and grows excellently from coppice. The root has a reputation in snake bites and
the leaves are also medicinal.
Photograph no 3. Alangium lamackii from Paloncha area.
Celastrus senegalensis, Lam,;Family Celastraceae, Vern.Danti(Tel) :

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The plant is very common shrub in all forests throughout the drier parts. The plant is tall,
at base it is like a shrub as it grows in size it becomes a woody climber. The wood is hard and
durable, but does not grow to any size. The seeds and leaves are used in native medicine.
Photograph no. 4. Celastrus cenegalensis from Chathakonda area.
Materials & Methods:
A few twigs of the selected plants were collected from the near by forest area. The
identity of the collected material was checked with help of flora. The external features were
noted.
The material was shade dried and the leaf & bark were powdered. The powder was
sieved through 70 mm mesh stored in polythene bottles for analysis. Micro chemical tests for
powder of leaf and bark were conducted (Kokate and Khandelwal, 1994).

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Anti microbial study:
Crude leaf extracts of all the four plants were tested for anti microbial activity by
following standard Agar disc diffusion method (NCLLS, 1977). Test organisms were E.coli,
Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus and Curvularea.
Results & discussion:
Table no. 1: Anti microbial activity of the plants tested.
S.No Name of the Susceptibility Of the Organism

plant
E.coli Pseudomonas S.aureus Aspergillus Curvularea
1 Alangium
lamarckii + + + _ _
2 Bauhinia
vahlii _ _ + _ +
3 Celastrus
senegalensis + + _ _ +
4 Chloroxylon
swietenia + + + + +
+ indicates zone of inhibition; _ indicates no zone of inhibition
The results on anti microbial studies (Table no 1) indicate that Alangium showed
antibacterial activity for all the bacteria tested while it has no anti fungal activity against the
fungi studied. Chloroxylon showed both antifungal and antibacterial activity. B.vahlii was
positive against S.aureus and Curvularea but was negative against the other organisms. Celastrus
showed positive action against E.coli, Pseudomonas and Curvularea, but was negative against
S.aures and Aspergillus.
Table no. 2: Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of leaf extracts.

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S.No Phyto- Chemical Alangium Bauhinia Celastrus Chloroxylon

constituent lamarckii vahlii senegalensis swietenia
1 Steroids + + + +
2 Triterpenoids + + _ +
3 Reducing sugars + + + +
4 Alkaloids
+ + + +
5 Phenolic
Compounds + + + +
6 Saponins + + + +
7 Tannins + + + _
8 Carbohydrates + + + +
9 Flavanoids _ + _ +
10 Proteins + + + +
+ indicates present; _ indicates absent
Preliminary phytochemical tests of the leaf extracts (Table no 2) indicated the presence of
carbohydrates, reducing sugars, proteins, steroids, triterpenoids , alkaloids, flavanoids, phenolic
compounds, tannins and saponins in B.vahlii, all except flavanoids in A.lamackii,all except
triterpenoids in C. senegalensis and in C.swietenia tannins were absent.
Enormous varieties of organic compounds (primary metabolites and secondary

metabolites) are derived from plants. Secondary metabolites like alkaloids, essential oils, tannins,
steroids, triterpenoids, anti biotics etc., play an important role in, cosmetic, perfumes, dying,
flavoring and pharmaceutical industries. They exhibit antimicrobial activity (Oliver, 1960),
(Sainsbury and Sofowa, 1971). The cumin oil shows antifungal activity (Ibrahim et al, 2001)
and eugenol was responsible for antibacterial activity.

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Garg and Dengre (1983& 1988) reported invitro antifungal efficacy of essential oil from
stem and flowers of Chloroxylon swietenia against seven fungi like Rhizopus, Fusarium,
Aspergillus, Curvularea, Trichophyton, Trichoderma and Candida.
Bio-compounds are ecofriendly. They are better curative agents than chemical agents to
combat pest problems and can act as insect repellents. They also have the anti bacterial and anti
fungal properties. Crude extracts of all the four plant species studied showed anti microbial
activity. The actual constituent responsible for the inhibitory activity is to be established. Its
potentiality as bio-pesticide is to be determined.
However, further isolation, purification and characterization of compounds is essential to

confirm medicinal property and efforts are needed to increase the content of the bio-active
compounds to raise them to the status of industrial raw material.
Bibliography:
1. Celso vataru Nakamura, et al (1999): Antimicrobial activity of ocimum gratissimum

essential oil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Riode Janeiro, Vol.94 (5):675-678.
2. Chandola, H.M.1999. Diabetes mellitus in Ayurveda. In: National Seminar on Medicinal

plants & Traditional Medical knowledge & Workshop on Traditional knowledge and
management of incurable diseases like AIDS organized by Gujarat Ayrurved University,
Jammnagar.
3. Chopra, R.N, S.L Nayar, I.C. Chopra.1956. Glossary Indian medicinal plants.
4. Gamble, J.S and C.E.C.Fischer, 1915-1935. Flora of presidency of Madras, London. Rep.
Ed.1957. Calcutta.
5. Garg, S.C. and S.L Denger, 1982.In vitro antifungal activity of essential oil of C.
Swietenia. Roxb. Coran. Indian perfume. 26 (2-4): 237-238.
6. Garg, S.C. and S.L. Dengre. 1982. Antifungal activity of some essential oils. pharmzie,
Vol 43 (2):141-142.

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7. Hammer, K.A; Carson, C.F. And Riley, T.V. (1999): Antimicrobial activity of essential
oils and other plant extracts. J.Appl. microbiol. 86: 985-990
8. Ibrahim, M.A et al, 2001. Insecticidal, repellent, antimicrobial activity and phyto toxicity
of essential oils; with special reference to limonene and its suitability for control of insect
pests. Agricultural and food science in Finland 10; 243-259.
9. International seminar on medicinal plants and quality standardization. 9-10, June, 2001,
Chennai- SOUVENIR.
10. Khan, M.S. 1951. Flora of Hyderabad, A.P. Forest department, Hyderabad.
11. Kirtikar, K.R. and B.D.Bose, 1933. Indian medicinal plants. Vol.1, Allahabad. L.M. and
Basu & Co.,
12. Kokate & Khandelwal, 1994. Practical Pharmacognosy, Techniques and experiments.
Nirali Prakashan, Pune.
13. Krishnan Marg, K.S. 1992. The useful plants of India. Publication Information
Directorate, C S I R, New Delhi.
14. Maheshwari, J.K; Kunkel,G.; Bandari, M.Mand Duke, J.H.1993. Ethnobotany in India.
Scientific Publishers.
15. Mundappa, P. and Omen, S.1988.
16. N C C L S (National Committee for clinical laboratory standards) 1977: Performance

standards for anti -microbial disc susceptibility test, Sixth Ed. Approved standard. M2-A6.
Wayne,P.A.
17. Oliver, B. 1960.Medicinal plants in Nigeria, college of Arts, Science and Technology,
Nigeria: 42.
18. Sainsbury M and Sofowora, E A 1971.Essential oils from the leaves and inflorescence of
Ocium gratissimum. Phytochemistry 10A: 3309-3310.

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19. Usha Kumari.J. 2004. Pharmacognostic studies on Chloroxylon swietenia – An Ethno

botanical plant from Kinnerasani Bio-Region.UGC-Minor Research Project.
20. World conservation monitoring center report. 1992.
--O--

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DIRECT PLANTLET REGENERATION FROM COTYLEDON AND LEAF

EXPLANTS OF MELOTHRIA MADERASPATANA (L)
Srilatha.T1 Sammaiah.D3 NarasingaRao.N5Kanaka Rajesham. Ch4 and Ugandhar.T2

1
Department of Botany Govt Degree & P.G.College for Women Warangal 506001
2
Department of Botany, S.R.R.Govt Arts & Science College Karimnagar-505001
3
Department of Botany, Govt Degree Huzurabad-505001
4
Department of Botany Govt Degree & P.G.College for Women Karimnagar 505001
5
Department of Botany University College Kakatiya University Warangal -506009
*E-mail:tugandharbiotech@gmail.com
Abstract:- The objective of this work was to study the in vitro organogenesis of Melothria
maderaspatana L. by the induction of adventitious buds in cotyledon segments explants cultured
in MS medium supplemented with cytokinin. Explants were collected from ten-day-old in vitro
germinated seedlings, considering the distal and proximal cotyledon regions. The data obtained
showed that in vitro organogenesis of Melothria maderaspatana L. occurred with higher
efficiency, when cotyledon segments from the proximal region collected from ten-day-old
seedlings were cultivated in medium MS, supplemented with TDZ (1.0-5.0 mg/L) Kn (1.0-5.0
mg/L),IAA (0.5 mg/L)+ TDZ (1.0-5.0 mg/L) and IAA (0.5 mg/L)+Kn (1.0-5.0 mg/L) for shoot
proliferation IAA (0.5 mg/L)+TDZ (3.0 mg/L) was proved to be best for induction of shoots for
cotyledon and Leaf explants. All regenerated plantlets were rooted on MS medium
supplemented with (1.0 mg/L) IBA the regenerated plants grew normally in the green house.
Key words: Melothria maderaspatana traditional medicinal climber, Cotyledon, Leaf and in
vitro culture.
Introduction:-
Melothria maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem. of the family, Cucurbitaceae is an important
traditional medicinal plant generally practiced in Eastern division of Mahadevapur Reserve
Forest District Karimnagar (A.P.) India. The species is mainly distributed in tropical regions of
India, especially in the lower hills of the Western Ghats (Singh et.,al 2005). The plant is bitter,
sweet, refrigerant, carminative, aperients, vulnerary, expectorant and tonic and it is useful in
vitiated conditions of pitta, burning sensation, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, constipation, ulcers,
cough, asthma and vertigo (Sowndhararajan et.,al 2010). Futher it is reported to have the

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properties viz., antirheumatic, antiflatulent, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, diuretic

and stomachic also (Raja et.,al. 2005). Sequeezed plant is applied to treat scabies of animals. The
root is chewed for 15 minutes to relieve toothaches (Raja et.,al. 2010). The leaf extract is shown
to have hepatoprotective immunomodulatory effect and antiarthritic activity (Jayathilaka et.,al.
1990). Decoction of seeds in sudorific, crushed and applied on aching bodies, especially on
stained backs (Nair 2002).
In natural communities, the species is present with very low population size which may
be due to its failure or less efficient sexual and vegetative reproductions (Mallikadevi 2011).
Hence, the present study was undertaken to develop a suitable micropropagation technique to
counteract the natural check in its population, and hence to meet the demand. The main objective
of the present investigation is to select the best in vitro responding media combinations for
inducing morphogenesis in higher frequencies and optimization of conditions for complete
plantlet development.
Aseptic seed germination explants preparation and culture conditions
Seeds of Melothria maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem. were obtained from the Eastern
division of Mahadevapur Reserve Forest District Karimnagar (A.P.) India. These seeds were
washed in running tap water for three minutes and then washed repeatedly in double distilled
water. Now under aseptic conditions the seeds were surface sterilized with 70% ethanol for one
minute followed by a twenty minute treatment with 2% sodium hypochloride and washed with
sterilized triple distilled water five times followed by 0.1% Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for five
minutes and rinsed five times in sterile distilled water. The sterilized seeds were then placed on
MS basal medium (Murashige and Skoog 1962) solidified with 0.8% bacto agar for germination
in 250 ml culture bottles,20 seeds were cultured per bottle containing 30 ml of medium. This was
incubated in dark at 26oC till it germinated and then transferred to cool-white-fluorescent light
room and incubated at 24+2oC and allowed to grow. The plant after reaching a height of 6
centimeters was taken in an aseptic condition and cotyledon and Leaf were excised using a
sterile scalpel and cut into 6-8 mm sections.
Plant Regeneration
The seedling excised (cotyledon and Leaf) explants (Fig –I a) were then placed on MS
medium containing 3% w/v sucrose with various concentrations of cytokinin TDZ (1.0-5.0

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mg/L), Kn (1.0-5.0 mg/L) alone and also in combination with auxin IAA (0.5mg/L) + TDZ (1.0-
5.0 mg/L), and IAA (0.5mg/L) + Kn (1.0-5.0 mg/L) (Tables- 1) the pH of the media was adjusted
to 5.8 + 1 with I N HCl or 1N NaOH solidified with 0.8% difco –bacto agar and autoclaved at
121oC at psi for 15-20 minutes single explants was inoculated in each culture tube and incubated
at 25 + 2oC under white fluorescent light of 40-60 μ mol m-2 s-1 intensity for 16 hrs light /8 hrs
dark period. Every two week the explants were transferred to fresh medium. The number of
shoots produced was counted 6 weeks after culture. Isolated single shoots after reaching 5
centimeters in size were transferred to MS medium (Murashige and Skoog 1962) supplemented
with (1.0 mg/L) IAA/IBA for rooting. Plantlets were transferred to the greenhouse for
acclimatization and growth.
Multiple shoot buds proliferation was observed within 15-20 days of culture form the cut
ends of cotyledon and hypocotyls. The data on in vitro regeneration was presented in (Table –I)
Effect of TDZ and KN
Table 1 represents, direct regeneration of seedling Cotyledon and Leaf explants to
various concentration of cytokinins such as TDZ and Kn alone in TDZ (1.0 -5.0 mg /L) and Kn
(1.0-5.0 mg/L) was studied on direct multiple shoot bud induction. Direct adventitious shoot
regeneration on MS medium containing various results. Highest responding cultures with
maximum frequency of multiple shoot bud induction was observed at (3.0 mg/L) TDZ (3.0+ 0.27
shoots/explant) (Fig –I b) followed by 4.0 and 5.0 mg/L TDZ, produced (2.8+0.38 and 2.6+0.32
shoots/explants )with 50 and 48% cultures responding. The numbers of shoots were considerably
reduced, when TDZ concentration was increased. Kn was less responsive compared to TDZ in
inducing shoot buds from the explant with 1.0 mg/L Kn the cotyledon explant produced
(1.7+0.43 shoots/explants) and 50% culture responded 3.0 mg/L Kn was more responsive in
inducing maximum number of shoots (2.8+0.35 shoots/explants ) with greater frequency (58%)
Kn at 4.0 and 5.0 mg/L Produced (2.4+0.22 and 2.0+ 0.45 shoots/explants) with 52 and 49%
cultures responded.
Leaf explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with various levels of TDZ
(1.0-5.0 mg/L) Maximum frequency of shoot buds induction (2.8+0.32 shoots/explant) was
noted at (3.0 mg/L) TDZ compared to all other concentration tested shoot capacity was gradually
decreased at high concentration of TDZ (Table-1). Similarly Leaf explants were cultured on MS

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Table-1 Effect of TDZ, Kn, IAA+TDZ and IAA+Kn on direct shoot induction from
cotyledon and Leaf explants on MS medium of Melothria maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem.
Cotyledon Leaf
Hormone % of Average number of % of Average number of
TDZ
1.0 55 2.0±0.35 53 1.8±0.32
2.0 60 2.2±0.25 57 2.0±0.43
3.0 65 3.0±0.27 62 2.8±0.32
4.0 50 2.8±0.38 52 2.4±0.36
5.0 48 2.6±0.32 47 2.3±0.32
Kn
1.0 50 1.7±0.43 48 1.3±0.34
2.0 56 2.1±0.34 50 1.8±0.32
3.0 58 2.8±0.35 53 2.2±0.36
4.0 52 2.4±0.22 47 2.0±0.32
5.0 49 2.0±0.45 42 1.6±0.42
IAA+TDZ
0.5+1.0 60 2.6±0.48 58 2.3±0.43
0.5+2.0 68 3.0±0.75 65 2.8±0.22
0.5+3.0 70 3.8±0.36 68 3.0±0.23
0.5+4.0 65 3.2±0.32 62 2.6±0.33
0.5+5.0 58 2.8±0.42 56 2.0±0.63
IAA+Kn
0.5+1.0 58 2.2±0.42 56 1.2±0.32
0.5+2.0 62 2.0±0.32 59 1.4±0.36
0.5+3.0 68 2.3±0.42 65 1.8±0.23
0.5+4.0 60 1.8±0.32 62 1.3±0.33
0.5+5.0 50 1.6±0.32 59 1.0±0.33
*S.E. Standard Error
medium supplemented with various levels of Kn (1.0 -5.0 mg/L). Highest percentage (53%) of
responding cultures were observed at (3.0 mg/L) followed by (4.0 mg/L) and gradually reduced

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as the level of Kn was increased. Maximum number of shoots regeneration (2.0+0.32

shoots/explant) was found at (4.0 mg/L) Kn. whereas the shoot bud induction was decreased at
high level of Kn.
a b

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Figure1: Direct shoot induction of cotyledon and Leaf culture of Melothria maderaspatana
(L.) M.Roema) in vitro seedling after 30 days of seed culture b)Direct shoots on (3.0mg/L) TDZ
from cotyledon culture c) Multiple shoots on IAA(0.5mg/L)+(3.0mg/L) TDZ from Leaf culture
d)Direct shoots formation on IAA(0.5mg/L)+TDZ(3.0mg/L) from cotyledon Cotyledon explants
after six weeks
Effect of IAA + TDZ and IAA + Kn
When the auxin was taken in combination with IAA (0.5 mg/L) + TDZ (1.0 -5.0 mg/L)
and IAA 0.5 mg/L + Kn (1.0-5.0 mg/L) (Table-1) in combination produced shoots from the
explants. At (0.5 mg/L) IAA with (1.0 mg/L) TDZ 60% cultures responded with (2.6 + 0.48
shoots / explants) maximum number of shoots (3.8+ 0.36 shoots/explant) with greater frequency
70% were produced at (3.0 mg/L) TDZ + IAA (0.5 mg/L) (Fig –I c) As the concentration of TDZ
was increase from (4.0 mg/L) to (5.0 mg/L) the number of shoots were considerably reduced
(Table -1). IAA + Kn was less responsive compared to IAA + TDZ in including shoot buds from
the explants (Table -1) with (1.0 mg/L) Kn and (0.5 mg/L) IAA produced (2.2+0.42
shoots/explants) with 58 % cultures responded. At 3.0 mg/L Kn was more responsive in inducing
maximum number of shoots (2.3+ 0.42 shoots) with greater frequency (68%) Kn at 4.0 and 5.0
mg/L produced (1.8+ 0.32 and 1.6+ 0.32 shoots/explants) with 60% and 50% cultures
responding. To find out the efficiency of auxin – cytokinin combination the Leaf explants were
cultured on MS medium supplemented with IAA (0.5 mg/L) in combination with various
concentration of TDZ /Kn (1.0 -5.0 mg/L). Direct shoot bud proliferation was found in all the
concentrations and combinations of phytohormones used.
Leaf culture on MS medium containing (0.5 mg/L)IAA in combination with (1.0-5.0
mg/L) TDZ showed maximum responding culture and more number of shoots /explants (3.0+
0.23 shoots /explant) (Fig –I d) at (3.0mg/L) TDZ. Average number of shoots production has
been gradually decreased at high concentration of TDZ (Table -1). Leaf explants were cultured
on (0.5 mg/L) IAA in combination with various concentration (1.0,2.0,3.0,4.0 and 5.0 mg/L) of
Kn showed (1.2+ 0.32,1.4+ 0.36, 1.8+ 0.23,1.3+ 0.33 and 1.0+ 0.33 shoot/explant) with 56, 59,
65,62 and 59% responded. For root induction, individual microshoots (8.00 cm) were placed on
MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of IAA (1.0mg/L). The in vitro produced
plantlets showed about 60% survival in Soil rite. After 4-5 weeks, the regenerated.

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DISCUSSION
We were successful in regeneration plants from, cotyledon and Leaf culture of Melothria
maderaspatana (L.) on MS medium fortified with different concentration of cytokinin ie
TDZ/KN individually and also in combination on with (0.5 mg/L) IAA. Maximum number of
shoot buds were induced (3.0 mg/L) TDZ in comparison to Kn as a role growth regulators with
low levels of auxin (0.5 mg/L) were added to the medium containing TDZ /Kn it was interesting
to find that the shoot induction was enhanced in all the concentrations of cytokinin tested.
However the shoot bud proliferation was found to be more on (0.5 mg/L) IAA in combination
with TDZ /Kn to probably IAA might have triggered the action of TDZ /Kn in a proper way for
inducing more number of shoots per explant but the combination of IAA + TDZ induced higher
number of plantlet regeneration among all hormonal combinations and concentrations used.
The present findings from Melothria maderaspatana (L.) demonstrate the possibility of
the in vitro propagation of cucurbits through cotyledon and Leaf explants to obtain plantlets with
uniform growth characteristics of the mother plant, direct regeneration is essential. Literature on
cucurbits indicates a low rate of regeneration and survival of plants with abnormalities such as
premature flowering (Gambley and Dodd 1990). Regeneration from cotyledon, sections of
hypocotyls and apical buds with varying regeneration frequency has been reported by Gambley
and Dodd (1991). Similarly Hoque et. al., (2005) have reported the high frequency of plant
regeneration on MS medium containing (2.0 mg/L) BAP in combination with (0.5 mg/L) IAA
from cotyledon derived callus in Memordica dioica. They have also found the maximum number
of shoots per explants on BAP compared to Kn. The essentially to both auxin cytokinin
combination for inducing shoot organogenesis has been reported in leaf culture of Cicer ariutum
(Arockia Swamy et. al. 2000) of the cytokinin used BAP proved as most effective than Kn in
inducing shoots, the same finding were recorded in Capsicum spp (Phillips and Hubsten berger
1985). Our results show enhanced shoot formation by proliferation of Cotyledon and Leaf on a
medium fortified with cytokinin and auxins. The fortification of cytokinin for multiple shoot
induction at lower concentrations has also been reported (Kathal et. al. 1988; Singh et. al. 1996).
It is concluded that the manipulation of culture conditions using various combinations and
concentrations of growth hormones and other adjuvants can provide a reproducible protocol and
reduce the high costs of hybrid seed production.

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References :-
1. Arokiaswamy S Varghese G and Ignacimuthu S. (2000). High frequency regeneration
of chickpea (Cicer arietium L.) Plantlets from leaf callus. Phytomorphology, 50: 297-302
2. Gambley RL and Dodd WA. (1990). An in vitro technique for the production of de
novo multiple shoots in cotyledon explants of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Plant Cell
Tissue Organ Cultue, 20: 177-183.
3. Gambley RL and Dodd WA. (1991). The influence of cotyledon in axillary and
adventitiousshoot production from cotyledonary nodes of Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber).
J Exp Bot, 42: 1131-1135
4. Hoque MD and JW Mansfield. (2005). Effect of genotype and explant age on callus
induction and subsequent plant regeneration from root-derived callus of Indica rice
genotypes. Plant Cell Tiss. Organ Cult.78: 217- 223.
5. Jayathilaka KA, Thabrew MI, Perera DJ.(1990): Effect of Melothria maderaspatana
on carbon tetrachloride induced changes in rat hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing
enzyme activity. J. Ethnopharmacol.: 3; 97-105.
6. Kathal R Bhatnagar SP and Bhojwani SS. (1988). Regeneration of plants from leaf
explant of Cucumis melo cv. pusa sharbati. Plant Cell Reports, 7: 449-451.
7. Mallikadevi T.(2011) Ecology, phytochemistry and strategies for in vitro regeneration of
the medicinal climber, Mukia madraspatana (L.) M.Roem. (Cucurbitaceae). Ph.D.,
Thesis, Bharathiar university, Coimbatore, India.
8. Murashige T and Skoog F. (1962). A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays
with tobacco tissue culture. Physiol Plant, 15: 473-497
9. Nair RV. (2002): Indian medicinal plants. Orient Logman Private Limited, Jaipur: 4; 73.
10. Phillips GC and Hubstenberger JF. (1985). Organogenesis in pepper tissue culture.
Plant cell Tissue. Org. Cult. 4: 262-269.
11. Raja B, Kaviarasan K, Arjunan MM, Pugalendi KV.(2005): Melothria
maderaspatana leaf extract for testing hypertension: chemistry and effects on
biomarkers. J. Alter. Comp. Ther. : 11; 264-268.
12. Raja B, Pugalendi KV, Arjunan MM.(2010):- Aqueous extract of Melothria
maderaspatana (Linn.) leaf extracts antihypertensive effect and improves mufa, pufa and
membrane fluidity of erythrocytes in patients with hypertension – an electro

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paramagnetic resonance investigation. Journal of herbal medicine and toxicology:

4(1); 133-139.
13. Singh MN Mishra AK and Bhatnagar SP. (1996). In vitro production of plants from
cotyledon explant of Cucumis melo L. and their successful transfer to field.
Phytomorphology, 46: 395-402.
14. Singh MR, Panda H.(2005):- Medicinal herbs with their formulations. Daya Publishing
House:; 547.
15. Sowndhararajan K, Jince Mary Joseph, Rajendrakumaran D, Manian S.(2010):-In
vitro antioxidant characteristics of different parts of Melothria maderaspatna (L.) COGN.
International journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. 2(3); 117-123.

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MEDICINAL PLANTS SURROUND US
Lecturer in P.G Botany, Govt.Degree & P.G College,Siddipet, Medak (D),A.P.
Principal,Vignan Junior College,Tandur, R.R (D),A.P.
puttarupareddy@yahoo.comarrollachandrashekarreddy@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants play significant role in existence, better living and welfare of human being.
Medicinal plants also enhancing social, economical, developmental, nutritional, medicinal,
traditional and spiritual status of human being. India is rich of medicinal herbs. In India specially
rural people, from ancient period to till now wild and cultivated plants which are surround them
using as medicinal plants to cure various ailments like cold, cough, headache, stomach pain ,
indigestion, constipation, fever, teeth problems, dog bites , snakebites, ear problems, skin
infections, burns, bone fractures, chicken pox, mumps, paralysis , jaundice and irregular
menstruation…etc.
Medicinal plants have primary and secondary metabolites , show medicinal properties like anti
fungal ,anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, anti amoebic, anti diabetic, anti helminthic, anti
cancerous, anti dote, anti periodic, antipyretic anti sterility…etc. So herbal medicines are
preparing by extraction of metabolites of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants like aloe vera, tulasi,
turmeric, neem, badam, brungaraj …etc use as herbal cosmatics.
For rural medicinal practices whole plant or parts of the plant like root, rhizome bark, leaves,
flowers, fruits, seeds are using.Commonly using medicinal plants are tulasi ,neem , amla,datura,
vavili, rudracksha, maraudu, bilva, tephrosia, dhaniya, zeera, brungaraj,turmeric, ginger, garlic,
ashoka, billaganneru, tella jilladu, erra jilladu velaga,glory plant, fenugreek,
pudina.vempali,pepper,andrographis, nelapala…etc.
Key words ;- medicinal plants, indigestion, paralysis, tulasi, herbal cosmatics.

INRODUCTION:
From ancient period to modern era, plants have been source of medicine. India is a
treasure of a wide variety of medicinal plants. Both wild and domesticated medicinal plants have

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become a part of traditional home remedies to cure different ailments like cold, cough, headache,
stomach pain, ear pain, jaundice, body pains, constipation, fever, dog bite, snake bite, teeth
problems burns, cuts, diabetes...etc. Many plants are extensively used in various medicinal
practices like ayurveda, siddha, unani, homeopathy…etc due to their active compounds like
alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpens…etc
History:-
The knowledge of medicinal plants begun with origin of human being. In ancient period the
primitive man acquired the knowledge of medicinal plants by observing of animals, birds…etc
.He found that few herbs were eaten by animals that made unhealthy animals as healthy. From
that time he started using, gained knowledge by trial and error method and that passes on from
one generation to next generations.
In India the importance of medicinal plants mentioned in our Vedas likes rigweda and
atharvanavedha about 3000years B.C. Later about 900 B.C the classical ayurveda works like
charkas samhitha and susrutha samhitha gave an account of 700 medicinal plants description and
their curative properties. Later during Buddhist period universities at Varanasi and at
Thakshasela were established to teach the traditional medicine.
Later ayurveda and siddha spread throughout the country very rapidly. But later the
traditional medicinal practices were discouraged and suppressed due to the British ruling. Later
these are rejuvenated after India got independence. During modern era due to westernization,
easy availability, lake of knowledge about medicinal plants made man step towards English
medicines but people not completely far away from traditional medicines. From last pair of
decade to till now the research programs on medicinal plants have been conducting and making
the awareness of medicinal plants by using of print media , electron media, social media and
orally.
Content:-
Most of the plants have medicinal properties like anti fungal ,anti bacterial, anti
inflammatory, anti amoebic, anti diabetic, anti helminthes, anti cancerous, anti dote, anti
periodic, anti pyretic, anti sterility…etc. for medicinal practices the whole plant are part of plant

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are using. Majority of the people depend on surrounding plants instead of synthetic medicines
especially for rural medicine. Commonly using medicinal plants are tulasi ,neem , amla,datura,
vavili,rudracksha,maraudu,bilva,tephrosia,dhaniya,zeera,brungaraj,turmeric,ginger,garlic,ashoka,
billaganneru,tellaljilladu,errajilladu,velaga,gloryplant,fenugreek,pudina.vempali,pepper,androgra
phis,nelapala,.moduga,vasa,gurivinda, uttarani,tummi…etc.
Few of the medicinal plants description & their curative properties are given below.
Ocimum Sps:-
Ocimum americanum Tel: - kukka tulasi Eng: - Hoary basil
Ocimum grattissimum Tel: - Ramatulasi Eng:-Lemon basil
Ocimum sanctum Tel: - krishnatulasi Eng: - Monk’s basal
Ocimum basillicum Tel: - Rudrajada Eng: - Sweet basil
• Leaves are used to cure cold cough bronchitis, diabetes and also used as mosquito
repellent.
• The fresh leaf juice used to cure ringworms, earache, toothache, indigestion.
• Seeds are cooling agent, and carminative.
• Soaked seeds used to escape from sun stroke.
Azadirachta indica
Tel:-Vepa Eng: - Neem
• Bark is used to cure skin problems, antiseptic and hepato protective.
• Leaves are used to treat ulcers, eczema, jaundice and chicken pox.
• Flowers are used to cure wounds and stomachache.
• Fruit is purgative.

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• Seed oil used to cure worm infection, leprosy and skin problems.
Phyllanthus Sps
Phyllanthus acidus Tel: - Rachausiri Eng: - Country goose berry
Phyllanthus amarus Tel: - Nela usiri
Phyllanthus emblica Tel: - Usiri Eng:-Indian goose berry
• Whole plant is used to cure jaundice, diabetes, eye diseases, also used as astringent.
• Young roots are used as snake repellent.
• Fruit is rich of vitamin-C, used to cure diabetes, diuretic, cough, hair tonic, mouth
freshener, and indigestion.
• Dried fruits used to cure anemia and jaundice.
• Recent researches discovered amla has reduced cancer cell growth.
Datura Sps:-
Datura arborea Tel: - Pedda Ummetta
Datura innoxia Tel: - Tella ummetta Eng: - Thorn apple
Datura metal Tel:-China ummetta
Dathura stremonium Tel: - Ummetta Eng: - Tim son weed
• Root is used as snake repellent.
• Seeds are antispasmodic
• leaves are used to cure asthma, swellings and wounds
Vitex Sps:-
Vitex negundo Tel: - Vavilli Eng: - Negundo, Indian privet

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Vitex penduncularis Tel: - kada vavilli Eng: - Glandular’’s peacock foot
• Bark of vitex is used to cure malaria
• Leaves are used as antibiotic and cure fever, headache, cancer and pain relief.
• Fruit is used as anti helminthes and digestive.
• Flower is used to cure diarrhea.
Aandrigraphis paniculata
Tel: - Neelavemu Eng: - King of bitter
• Dried leaves and tender shoos used to cure debility and skin diseases.
• Decoction of the whole plant used as blood purifier and also used to cure jaundice and
fever
• Young shoots and leaves used to cure cancer and aids also.
Asparagus racemosus: - Tel: - Pillithegallu
• Tuberous roots are used to treat eye problems , dysentery , nervous problems, liver
and kidney disorders.
• Dried root powder increases lactation in nursing mothers.
• Shathawarin drug make physical strength and youth fullness.
Gymnema sylvestes:-
Tel:-Madhu nashini Eng:-Australian cow plant
• Leaves are used to cure diabetes.
• Decoction of roots and leaves used to cure cough, fever, and headache and heal the
wounds.
• Leaf powder increases urination.

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Leaves and black pepper paste used to reduce poison of snake bites.
Tephrosia Sps:-
Tephrosia callophylla Tel: - Aadavi vempali Eng:- Tephrosia maxima
Tephrosia purpura Tel: - Vempali Eng: - Wild indigo
• Roots are used to cure diabetes, cough and urinary disorders.
• Whole plant is used to cure ulcers and fever.
• Pods are used for vomiting
Eclipta prostrate or Eclipta alba:-
Tel:- Guntagalagara Eng: - Prickly leaved elephant foot.
• Whole plant is used to cure dandruff and worked as hair tonic.
• Whole plant is hepato protective.
• Leaves are used to cure jaundice, cancer and rejuvenator.
• Seeds are used to cure eye irritations.
Polyalthia longifoliaTel:-Onti komma ashokam Eng:-Mast tree
• Stem bark used to cure joint pains, constipation, fever, and snake bite.
Tinospora cardifolia:-
Tel:- Tippateega Eng:-Guduchi
• Root is used to cure leprosy.
• Stem is used to cure anemia, jaundice, diabetes and fever.
• Leaf juice is work as health tonic.
• Whole plant is used to cure digestive problems.

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Cleome Sps:-
Cleome viscose Tel:- kukka vominta Eng:-Sticky

cleome
Cleome gynandra Tel:- Vominta Eng: - Spider

flower
• Leaves are used to cure headache
• Seeds are used to cure joint pains.
Abutilon indicum
Tel:- Thutturubenda Eng: - Crab’s eye.
• Leaves are used to cure piles ulcers cough jaundice and diabetes.
Hibiscus cannabinus Tel: - Gongura Eng: - Red sorrel
• Leaves are used to cure boils.
• Flower is used to cure hyper acidity.
Hibiscus mutabilis Tel:- Mirapa mandara Eng: - Cotton

rose.
• Leaves are used to treat cough and burns.
Hibiscus rosa sinensis
Tel:- Mandara Eng: - Shoe flower
• Leaves are used to cure headache and fever.
• Flowers are used to cure diabetes and worked as hair tonic.
Tribulus terrestris:-
Tel:- Pallaru Eng: - Pancturevine

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• Root and fruits are used to cure diabetes, asthmas and cardiac diseases.
• Whole plant is used to cure retention of urine, thirst, and hepato protective.
Oxalis corniculata:-
Tel:- Pulichinta Eng: - Indian sorres
• Leaves are used to make chutney and used to cure anemia, piles, cancer and warts.
Clitoria ternata: -
Tel: - Adivichikudu Eng: - Butter fly pea.
• Roots are laxative, diuretic, headache and ulcers.
• Leaves are used to cure diabetes, dog bites and earache.
Pongamia pinnata:-
Tel:-kanuga
• Root is used to cure paralysis and ulcers.
• Bark is used to cure night blindness.
• Flower is used to cure diabetes
• Seeds are used to cure eczema and snake bites
Indigifera tinctoria:-
Tel: -- Neeli Eng: - Indigo plant
• Root is used to cure hepatitis.
• Root and leaves are used to cure jaundice, anemia and worm infections.
Pakinsonia aculeate:-
Tel:- Seema tumma Eng: - Horse bean.

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• Whole plant is used to cure Parkinsonism.
Acacia nelotica:-
Tel:- Nalla tumma Eng:-Black babul
• Stem bark is used as mouth freshner.
• Fruits, seeds and gum used to cure ulcers, cough wounds and diabetes.
Mimosa pudica:-
Tel: - Attipatti Eng: - Touch me not plant
• Root and leaf used for diabetic patients.
• Whole plant used to make abortion.
Aerva lanata: -Tel:-Pindikurra
• Roots are used to cure diabetes, and abdominal pain.
• Whole plant is used to dissolve kidney stones.
Euphorbia hirta:-
Tel:- Nelapala Eng: - Snake weed
• Whole plant is used to cure urinary disorders, constipation asthma and cough.
• Leaves are used to cure bowl problems.
Achyranthus asparas: -
Tel: - Utarani Eng: - Rough chatt tree.
• Whole plant is used to cure jaundice, scorpion sting, anemia, earache and teeth
ache.

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Abracus precatorious:-
Tel:- Gurivinda
• Seed powder is used to cure white discharge in women.
• By applying of dry seed powder with honey can control the bald head.
• Application of fresh leaves juice to cure the mouth ulcers.
• Application of dryseed powder , gee, can cure the back pain and joint pains
Butea monospermae:-
Tel:-Moduga Eng:-Flame of the forest.
• Fresh leaves juice with salt used as lice killer.
• Bark can control the menustrual problems.
Ceiba pen tandra Tel:-Buruga Eng: - White silk cotton tree
• Application of paste of bark can reduce the pimples
• Mixer of Bark powder, jiggery, dhaniya powder controls the constipation.
• Decoction of bark powder and flower is best remedy for kidney stones.
• Teeth ache can control by use of gum.
• Dry seed powder with honey controls the cough.
• Pimple creams are preparing by using of bark.
Acorus calamus: -
Tel:-Vasa Eng: - Sweet flag
• The smoke of burnt leaves control the asthma.
• Decoction of leaves controls the stomachache

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• Raw juice of leaves control the cough and fever
• Leaves with honey control indigestion
Aegle marmelos: -
Tel:-Bilva Eng: - Beal fruit trees, golden apple
• Raw leaf juice with honey cures the fever.
• Fruit juice cure the constipation
• Leaf juice cure the skin disorders
• Root juice cure the diabetes
• Vomiting in pregnant ladies crue by taking of fruits.
Conclusion: -
India is treasure of various types of medicinal plants, making of the awareness

about medicinal plants and conservation of them also necessary for future existence.

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STUDIES ON ETHNO-MEDICINAL PLANTS OF MAHADEVPUR RESERVE FOREST

EAST DIVISION KARIMNAGAR DISTRICT (A.P.) INDIA
Srinivas.A1, Srinivas.T1, Buchaiah.K1, Chandraiah.G3, Anitha Devi.U2and Ugandhar.T1

1
Department of Botany, S.R.R.Govt Degree & P.G.College Karimnagar
2
Department of Botany Govt Degree & P.G.College for Women Karimnagar
3
Department of Botany, S.K.N.R.Govt Degree College Jagityal
*E-mail:tugandharbiotech@gmail.com
====================================================================
ABSTRACT
Plants are an integral part of nature and the nature reflects the creativity of God. The
plants are designed with a specific purpose. They are the life sustaining force on the earth. In
Mahadevapur Forest percentage of the population still prefers to use herbal medicines along with
modern medicines. The region is mostly inhabited by rural and native communities. Tribal
cultures hold much ethno botanical information, and rural and native communities regularly use
medicinal plants for treatment of diseases, wounds, fractures and other ailments. In the present
study it was found that total 50 plant species were used by the rural people for their various
ailments. Medicinal values of these plants are largely based on folk practitioners. The study
stated that either the whole plant or different parts like leaves, stem, bark, roots, etc. are used.
Key Words: Mahadevapur, Ethnobotanical, Folk practitioners, Ailments.
INTRODUCTION
It is believed that about 15-17 million species are present on the earth planet. Out of
which only 5 million have been described so far. Interestingly, 70% of them occur in tropical and
sub tropical parts of the world (Krishnankutty and Chandrasekaran, 2007). In India, more than
43% of the total flowering plants are reported to be of medicinal importance (Pushpangadan,
1995). Utilization of plants for medicinal purposes in India has been documented long back in
ancient literature. However, organized studies in this direction were initiated in 1956. Right from
its beginning, the documentation of traditional knowledge especially on the medicinal uses of
plants, has provided many important drugs of the modern day (Anon, 1994).
The tribal knowledge regarding the use of plant species for various purposes depend on
the surrounding plants (Reddy et al., 2010). Plants and other living organism have great potential
to treat human diseases (Subbu and Prabha, 2009). Ethnobilogy came in to being when the

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earliest man observed the animals mostly the apes and monkeys eating certain plants and found
heal his wounds and get rid from pain and suffering. An analysis of such observations provoked
them to use of plants for maintenance of life and alleviation of diseases (Sinha, 1999). Despite of
new advances in medicine, the cultural use of plant in traditional medicine continues from
primeval time to this day all over the world. World Health Organization has estimated that 80%
of the people in the world rely on traditional medicines for primary health care needs
(Fransworth, 1990). It was also realized that till now only 5% of the herbal wealth was studied
whereas the rest remained unexplored (Arya et al., 2008).
Medicinal plants are gaining popularity because of several perceived advantages, such as
fewer side effects and better patient compliances (Brown et al., 2008). Today the medicinal
world is posed with complex challenges. Thus time demand an integrated and pluralistic
approach towards health care to cope effectively with his situation (Sen and Batra, 2008).
Establishment of herbal forms in well selected localities will exercise scientific control over the
cultivation of medicinal herbs (Kritkar and Basu, 1987). In every ethnic group there exists a
traditional health care system, which prevalent and popular among community (Rai, 2007). The
conservation and protection of medicinal plants against over exploitation by domestic and
foreign commercial interest without benefits accruing to the nation are clearly our priorities
(Natesh and Mohan Ram, 1999). The traditional healers of Shekhawati region of Rajasthan
having a commendable knowledge of the medicinal values of plant that grow around them
(Katewa and Galav, 2005). In the various regions of Mahadevapur Reserve forest of different
plant species are the major source of local medicine for their ailments.
Information on folk medicinal uses of the plants has recently become of renewed interest
in search for new therapeutic agent. Vast knowledge on medicinal plants exists as oral among the
folklore and primitive societies of India, where a large number of potent medicinal herbs are
found growing wild. Although, a great amount of Ethno botanical research work has been
undertaken in various pockets of tribal and rural population scattered throughout the country,
there is still much to be discovered. Ethno botanical explorations play vital role in bringing to
light information about such plant species from our rich flora that can be source of safer and
cheaper potent drugs for the benefit of mankind. In country like India, according to reasonable
estimates, 70 percent inhabitants still rely on herbs (Singh, 1997).

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Study Area
Mahadevapur is the one of Reserve forest of Karimnagar District of Telangana region of
Andrapradesh. Mahadevapur Reserve forest is situated in the Northern Telangan Region and
occupies 13th place in respect of area of 11884.5sq km which account for 4.33’’of the total Area
of of the state. Karimnagar District is located between latitude 80.0’’ and 190.00’’ North and
Longitudie 78.030’ and 800.31’ East. It is bounded out the North by Adilabad District on the
North West by Nizamabad District on the West by Medak District on the South by Warangal
District and East by River Godhavari It has 57 Mandal including Eligaid as 57 Mandal
Karimnagar has got 5 Revenue Division Namely Karimnagar Division Jagityal Division
Huzurabad Peddapally Division & Manthini Division. Among these Divisions Manthini Division
is largest in area but least population as most of the area is covered by forests hills including
Ramagiri Quila and the river Godhavari which flows about 40 Kms along boarder.
The Reserve Forest Block of Mahadevpur and Compartments covered during the Field
Survey are 1). RF Block Mahadevpur Beat, Beersagar Compartment No: 241, 242, and 247. RF
Block Mahadevpur Beat, Prathapgiri Compartment No: 193, 199, and 200. 3). RF Block
Mahadevpur Beat, Pulgula Compartment No: 260. 4). RF Block Mahadevpur Beat, Nusturpally
Compartment No; 208, 218. 5). RF Block mahadevpur Beat, Annaram Compartment No; 246,
250, and 251. 6). RF Block Mahadevpur Beat, Kundurpally Compartment No: 226 and 239.
Total area potential MPCA (Medicinal Plants Conservation Area) identified in twenty (20) Ha
Villages visited. 1), Kundurpally. 2). Edapally. 3). Beerasagar. 4). Kannepally. 5). Prathap Giri.
6). Marripally. 7). Chidenepally. 8). Sandrupally. 9). Annaram 10). Puskupally. 11).
Maddulapally. 12). Nagepally. 13). Elkeshwar. 14). Rapally Kota. 15). Nasthurpally. 16).
Kaleshwaram. 17) Mahadevpur. The Kaleswaram is a religious pilgrimage centre in which Lord
Shiva Temple is located on the river bed “Godavari and it is flourished with rich flora of the
thick forest. So also, the Prathap Giri is a Historical place, as which was under the reign of the
“King-Prathapa Rudra Deva” of the old Orugal, Warangal AP, India. This hill area is a beautiful
site for many medicinal plants to be explored. Mahadevpur area is a dense forest and flourished
with many green canopies. Taxonomically, it is the best site and a reserve resource of plant
identification and collection studies.

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Local medicine men and health practitioners interviewed 1). Sri Mondi, Mahdevpur. 2). Sri. Gadi
chandraiah, Mahadevpur. 3). Sri Kaveri Chandraiah, Kudurupally. 4). Sri Gadi Chandraiah,
Beersagar. 5). Sri. Peddi mallaiah, Kaleshwaram. They explained the following 40 plants as
detailed.
TABLE-I: Percentage of the species of Medicinal Plants Identified:
Trees Shrubs Climbers Herbs Dominant Rare Threatened
30% 20% 10% 40% 80% 12% 08%

The Forest of Mahadevpur belongs to Karimnagar East Division are very rich in
Medicinal plants and 95% of them grow naturally. This is due to the combined effects of the
geographical situations and its topography. We worked on the medicinal plants available in this
area, which given interesting and encouraging results. All the specimens were examined and
compared with flora of key herbarium. The medicinal uses given by the medicine men were
cross checked with the ancient compilations like, Bhava Prakasha Nighantu, Dhanvanthari
Nighantu, Indian Medicinal plants Nadkarni, and Indian Materia medica-Kirthikar and Basu and
detailed in the following
1) Acacia catechu Family Name: - Fabaceae
Uses: - The heart wood and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine. A wood extract
called catechu is used in traditional medicine for sore throats and diarrhea. The concentrated
aqueous extract, known as khayer gum or cutch, is astringent. It is used in Ayurvedic
medicine. In ayurveda , it is used for rasayana ( rejuvenation treatments). It is also used for its
actions like anti-dyslipidemic, anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diuretic,anti-pruritic,
coolant, taste promoting, enhancing digestion and curing skin disorders.
2). Acorus calamus L. Family Name: -Araceae
Uses: - A root decoction is taken as a tonic. Fresh rhizomes are taken to cure diarrhoea, relieve
gastritis and as a poison antidote. The plant contains a number of chemically interesting
compounds including terpenes, flavone diglucoside, sterol and vitamin C. Traces of the alkaloid
gramine have been detected in the leaves.
3). Agave Americana Linn Family Name: - Agavaceae

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Uses:- The sap of agaves is antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative and used internally for
the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. An infusion of the chopped leaf is purgative and the
juice of the leaves is applied to bruises.
4).Ageratum conyzoidesi Family Name:- Asteraceae
Uses: -The seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhea while, leaves cure boils, cuts, headache,
leprosy, piles, scabies and other skin diseases.
5). Aloe vera Family Name: - Liliaceae
Use: -Acid inside Aloe vera is used as effective pain killers. Antiseptic made from Aloe vera is
used to kill mold, bacteria, funguses and viruses. Aloe vera uses include help in skin blemishes.
Acne is treated by Aloe vera gel and it's really effective. Aloe vera also helps in stopping
baldness. Aloe vera is used for enhancing skin growth. Important Aloe vera uses include relief
from cuts, bruises and burns. When we Aloe vera being a medicinal plant have various uses in
the medicine field, its proving to be very important in curing many of the skin diseases and
research are on the going process to explore more options of Aloe vera uses to cure the most
acute and severe diseases. From centuries Aloe vera is used for healing cuts and bruises. Total
skin care and curing topical sores of diabetics patient is the main use of Aloe vera uses includes
cosmetics benefits and uses as beauty restoring things.
6). Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe) Family Name: -Liliaceae
Uses: - The sap of the leaves can be used as a wound dressing. The leaf juice is used to treat
burns and to rid dogs and cattle of internal and external parasites. The juice of the leaves is a
strong purgative for both humans and animals. A delicious preserve (konfyt) can be made from
the leaves. Today the Cape Aloe is found in various forms such as pills and gels. It is
commercially important as a laxative and is used in several popular mixtures.
7). Albizia lebbeck L. Family Name: - Fabaceae
Uses :- Lebbeck is an astringent, also used by some cultures to treat boils, cough, to treat the eye,
flu, gingivitis, lung problems, pectoral problems is used as a tonic, and is used to treat abdominal
tumors. The bark is used medicinally to treat inflammation. This information was obtained via
ethno botanical records, which are a reference to how a plant is used by indigenous peoples, not
verifiable, scientific or medical evaluation of the effectiveness of these claims.
8). Annona squamosa L. Family Name:-Annonaceae

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Uses: - 1) A bark decoction is used to stop diarrhea, while the root is used in the treatment of
dysentery.
9). Aristolochia indica L Family Name:- Aristolochiaceae
Uses: - The roots are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dropsy, hypertension, menstrual
complaints, scabies and skin diseases.
10). Aerva lanatai L.Family Name:-Amaranthaceae
Uses: - The whole plant, especially the leaves, is edible. The leaves are put into soup or eaten as
spinach or as a vegetable. The plant provides grazing for stock, game in and chickens.
It gives protection against evil spirits, is a good-luck talisman for hunters, and safeguards the
well-being of widows.
11). Asparagus racemosus Family Name:- Liliaceae
Uses: - Used for improving functional efficiency of all organs of body. Root used as aphrodisiac.
12). Azadirachta indica Juss Family Name: - Meliaceae
Use:- The leaves are used in blood purification, boils, cold, diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, scabies,
tuberculosis, while bark is used in curing liver complaints, jaundice and skin diseases.
13). Boerhavia diffusa Family Name: -Fabaceae
Uses: - Boerhavia diffusa is believed to improve and protect eyesight B. diffusa has diuretic
properties and is used by diabetics to lower blood sugar. Boerhavia diffusa has shown
antibacterial activity, mainly against Gram-negative bacteria. Extracts of B. diffusa leaves have
shown antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in pharmacological models. Punarnavine (an
alkaloid isolated from B. diffusa) has shown some in vitro anticancer, antiestrogenic,
immunomodulatory, and antiamoebic activity (particularly against Entamoeba histolytica).
Boerhavia diffusa is a source of antioxidants, and may be effective against arsenic trioxide (an
effective drug used against acute promyelocytic leukemia) induced cardio toxicity it’s also
possess cardioprotective properties
14). Calotropisgigantean Family Name:- Asclepiadaceae
Uses: - Asthma, body ache, boil, burns, dropsy, dysentery, leprosy, ringworm and other skin
diseases. Asthma, boils, cholera, cold, cough, rheumatism, ringworm, small pox, stomach
disorders, toothache and swelling
15). Carica papaya L. Family Name: -(Caricaceae)

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Uses: - A root decoction is taken as a means of birth control and for uterine contractions after
childbirth.Similar decoction is used to prevent menstruation. The fruits contain ascorbic acid,
papain, pectin, carotene, xanthine, carpene, mallic acid, essential oils and 5-hydroxytryptamine
alkaloid.
16). Cassia fistula L. Family Name:- Caesalpiniaceae
Uses: - The pulp of the seed pod is used as a mild laxative. Fruits are used in curing asthma,
chest infection, constipation, cough, diarrhea and dysentery.
17). Centella asiatica (L). Family Name: -(Umbellifereae)
Uses: - Teas of the plants are taken for hypertension and diarrhoea, as well as for urinary tract
infections. The dried herb is used as adetoxicant, diuretic and to lower blood pressure and
decrease heart rate. The plant contains fatty acids, sterols and alkaloids.
18). Catharanthus roseus Family Name: - Apocynace
Uses: - Whole plant is used in curing diabetes, while the leaves are used during body swelling.
FolkloricIn the Philippines, decoction of leave susedin diabetes Decoction of young leaves used
for stomach cramps. Root decoction for intestinal parasitism asemmenagogue may produce
abortion in fusion of leaves used for treating menorrhagia Crudelea fextracthas anticancer
activity.
19). Curcumalonga Family Name Zingiberaceae
Uses: - It has been reported to possess antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities
the part used are rhizomes and it contains curumin (diferuloyl methane), turmeric oil or turmerol
& 1, 7-bis, 6- hepta-diene-3, 5- Dione. Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic
activities. Volatile oil isolated from C. longa also exhibits antibacterial & potent anti-
inflammatory activity.
Curcuma longa also contains protein, fats, vitamins (A, B, C etc) all of which have an important
role in would healing and regeneration.
Turmeric has been used for treating the wounds in the rats. The presence of vitamin A & proteins
in turmeric result in the early synthesis of collagen fibers by mimicking fibroblastic activity.
Juice of the fresh rhizome is commonly applied to recent wounds, bruises & leech bites.
A paste of turmeric & leaves of Justica adhatoda with cow urine is rubbed on skin affected with
prurigo & eczema. It can also be mixed with ginger oil to prevent skin eruptions.

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20). Daturainoxia Family Name: -Solanaceae.

Uses: - Datura inoxia, like other Datura species, contains the highly toxic alkaloidsatropine,
hyoscine (scopolamine), and hyoscyamine.
The Aztecs called the plant toloatzin, and used it long before the Spanish conquest of
Mexico for many therapeutic purposes, such as poultices for wounds where it acts as an
anodyne. Although the Aztecs warned against madness and "various and vain
imaginings", many native Americans have used the plant as an entheogen for
hallucinations and rites of passage.
The alkaloids of these plants are very similar to those of mandrake, deadly nightshade,
and henbane, which are also highly poisonous plants used cautiously for effective pain
relief in antiquity.
Datura intoxication typically produces a complete inability to differentiate reality from
fantasy (delirium, as contrasted to hallucination); hyperthermia; tachycardia; bizarre, and
possibly violent behavior; and severe mydriasis with resultant painful photophobia that
can last several days. Pronounced amnesia is another commonly reported effect.
21). Emblica officinalisFamily Name: - Euphorbiaceae
Uses: richest source of Vitamin C and is a fruit is the diuretic, aperient, Laxative and hair
dye. It cures insomnia and is healthy for hair.
It is used as the cardio protective, useful in hemorrhage, menprrhagia, leucorrhoea and
discharge of blood from uterus.
Amla power and oil are used traditionally in Ayurvedic applications for the treatment of
scalp.
Amla power improves immunity and gives physical strength. It improves complexion and
removes wrinkles.
Amla is also used to treat constipation and is used as a cooling agent to reduce the effects of
sun strokes and sunburns.
22). Ficusbenghalensis Family Name:-Moraceae
Uses: - : According to Ayurveda, it is astringent to bowels; useful in treatment of biliousness,
ulcers, erysipelas, vomiting, vaginal complains, fever, inflammations, leprosy. According to
Unani system of medicine, its latex is aphrodisiac, tonic, vulernary, maturant, lessens

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inflammations; useful in piles, nose-diseases, gonorrhea etc. The aerial root is styptic, useful in
syphilis, biliousness, dysentery, inflammation of liver etc.
23). Ficus racemosa L Family Name: - Moraceae
Uses:- The leaves are used in the treatment of blisters, boils, diarrhea, dysentery, piles and
urinary complaints, while fruits are used in curing diabetes, leprosy and stomach disorders.
24). Ficusreligiosa Family Name:-Moraceae
Uses:- Ficus religiosa is used in traditional medicine for about 50 types of disorders including
asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, inflammatory disorders, infectious and
sexual disorders.
25). Gloriasa superb Family Name:-Colchicaceae.
Uses: - The alkaloid-rich plant has long been used as a traditional medicine in many cultures. It
has been used in the treatment of gout, infertility, open wounds, snakebite, ulcers, arthritis,
cholera, colic, kidney problems, typhus, itching, leprosy, bruises, sprains, hemorrhoids, cancer,
impotence, nocturnal emission, smallpox, sexually transmitted diseases, and many types of
internal parasites.
It is an anthelmintic. It has been used as a laxative and an alexiteric. The sap is used to treat acne
and head lice. In a pregnant woman, it may cause abortion. In parts of India, extracts of the
rhizome are applied topically during childbirth to reduce labor pain.
26). Hemidesmus indicus Family Name: -Asclepiadaceae
Uses: The bark of Indian Elm is used in rheumatism. Seed and paste of stem bark is used in
treating ringworm. Bark and leaves are used for treating oedema, diabetes, leprosy and other skin
diseases, intestinal disorders, piles and sprue.
27). Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L Family Name:-(Malvaceae)
Uses: - Pounded leaves, with a little salt, are applied as a paste to cuts, swollen fingers, boils and
sprains. Sap from shoots is taken for asthma. Crushed flowers are squeezed onto boils and as
poultice for wounds and swelling.
28). Indigofera L. Family Name:-Fabaceae
Uses:- Several species of this group are used to alleviate pain. The herbs are generally regarded
as an analgesic with anti-inflammatory activity, rather than an anodyne. Indigofera articulata
(Khedaish in Arabic) was used for toothache, and Indigofera oblongifolia was used as an anti-
inflammatory for insect stings, snakebites, and swellings. Indigofera suffruticosa and Indigofera

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aspalthoides have also been used as anti-inflammatories. A patent was granted for use of
Indigofera arrecta extract to relieve ulcer pain. The Maasai people of Kenya use parts of
Indigofera brevicalyx and I. swaziensis as toothbrushes.
29). Justicia adhatoda Linn Family Name:- Acanthaceae
Uses: - 1) The plant is used for treatment of various ailments of respiratory tract, cough and
bleeding piles.
2) Inflorescence and leaf liquid is used for fever.
30) Mentha longifolia (Longleaf mint, Balderja) Family Name: -:-(Laminaceaea)
Uses:-The strong-smelling leaves can be rubbed onto the skin to ward off mosquitoes or to help
heal wounds. A tea made from the leaves is used to treat a number of conditions including
fevers, headaches, indigestion, menstrual pains and colic.
31) Mimosa pudica L. Family Name: -(Leguminosae)
Uses: - A root decoction is taken to ease headache or dizzy spells. A paste of the whole plants is
applied to cuts and wounds. A root decoction is taken to relieve asthma and diarrhoea.
It is also used to treat neurosis and has a tranquilising effect. A decoction is used externally on
wounds and hemoptysis and used as a sedative. The roots contain the alkaloid mimosine as well
as sitisine and related alkaloids.
32).Morinda citrifolia L. Family Name: -(Rubiaceae)
Uses; - Decoctions of roots or barks are taken to treat hypertension or gastric ulcer. Root
decoctions are drunk to regulate menstruation and the fruits are chewed to prevent tooth decay.
The plant is also used to treat hypertension. The root contains a trihydroxyantra quinone methyl
ether.
33). Ocimum santum Family Name: -(Laminaceaea)
Uses: - The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is
worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large.
Tulsi has antioxidant properties and reduces blood glucose levels. Thus it is useful for
diabetics.
Tulsi reduces total cholesterol levels. Thus it is useful for heart disease patients.
Tulsi reduces blood pressure.
Tulsi is also used to prepare herbal tea

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It helps in building up stamina It has been used for gastric disorders, cough, common
colds, malaria, headaches It is used as mouth was hfor reducing toothache
Tulsi oil shows larvicidal activity against malarial larva It has immuno-modulatory
properties It contains phyto-chemicals which provide all these beneficial effects.
Many herbal cosmetics contain tulsi. It is also used in skin ointments due to its anti-
bacterial properties. Oi lextracted from Karpoora Tulsi is used in these preparations.
34). Piper betle L. Family Name: -(Piperaceae)
Uses:-Leaf tea is taken for coughs. Pounded leaves are turned into a paste and applied to cuts,
boils and scabies.
The warmed leaves are used to stop nosebleed. Leaves contain antibacterial substances and many
types of essential oils.
35). Rauwolfia serpentine. Family Name: -(Apocynaece).
Uses:- Drug reserpine and serpentine is used for curing high bloodpressure, mild anxiety,mental
illness.Root is also used as anthelmintic ans as antidote to snake venom.
36) Sennaauriculata Family Name: -Fabaceae
Uses:-This plant is said to contain a cardiacglucoside (sennapicrin) and sap, leaves and bark
yield anthraquinones, while the latter contains tannins.
The root is used in decoctions against fevers, diabetes, diseases of urinary system and
constipation.
The leaves have laxative properties. The dried flowers and flower buds are used as a
substitute for tea in case of diabetes patients.
It is also believed to improve the complexion in women. The powdered seed is also
applied to the eye, in case of chronic purulent conjunctivitis.
In India the bark and seeds are said to give relief in rheumatism, eye diseases, gonorrhea,
diabetes and gout.
37). Syzygium cuminii (L.) Family Name: - Myrtaceae
Uses: - The fruits are used in the treatment of digestive troubles, stomachache; bark cures piles;
and seeds heal pimples.
38) Withania somnifera Name: - Solanaceae
Use:- Leaf poultices are applied externally to wounds, haemorrhoids, abscesses and syphilis. An
infusion of the roots is used to treat asthma, colds, fever and influenza. The medicinal use of this

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plant is extensive and ranges from an insecticide and sedative to an anti-aging treatment and
memory enhancer. Roots used is sexual and general weakness. Forms an important ingradient of
31 energy capsules.
39). Woodfordia fruticosa(L.) Korz. Family Name: - Lythraceae
Uses: - It is used for dysentery, diarrhea, cough, injuries, nausea and sprain. It has been
used as an astringent to treat dysentery and sprue, and also for the treatment of bowel complaint,
rheumatism, dysuria and hematuria in many South East Asian countries. It is also an ingredient
of a preparation used to make barren women fertile. It has recently proved to be a rich storehouse
of chemical constituents with promising anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities as revealed
in modern biology-based studies. Investigations in progress may identify new molecules with
anti-peptic ulcer activities and confirm the usefulness of traditional remedies to develop new
herapeutics.
40). Zingiber officinale Rosc. Family Name:-(Zingiberaceae)
Uses: - Powdered rhizomes with a little alcohol are used to massage sprains, muscle pains or
rheumatism. Rhizomes contain a variety of essential oils including borneol, camphene, chavicol,
cineol, citral, geraniol, gingerin, gingerol, linalool, vinillyl alcohol, zingerone and zingiberene.
The above Forty species belong to twenty genera belonging to Twenty Eight families is
employed in different ailments by the tribal people of Mahadevapur Reserve Forest of Telangana
Region of India. It is seemed that the Leguminosae family came into the first position in treating
the children, and the field survey is also envisaged the same. In the country like India, where the
death rate of children, particularly in rural areas, is much higher than the other developed
countries in the world. Hence the scope of this type of study is very promising and important and
it may give new source of drug plants in pediatric diseases.
CONCLUSION
Due to indiscriminate exploitation and lack of Conservation a number of valuable plants
have become vulnerable. To avoid this, it is necessary to educate the local public and conserve
the existing vegetations by way of various methods of propagation and involving the water shed
committees in these programmes. Also it is needed for the cultivation, processing and
conservation of rare and threatened medicinal plants, through appropriate methods to meet the
developmental task.The present study of medicinal plants at Mahadevpur Reserve Forests of

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Karimnagar East Division was taken up to document the diversity of medicinal plants available
and to formulate the strategy for conservation and development of medicinal plants.
In Mahadevapur Forest, the plant communities have been largely disturbed due to
deforestation for fuel, over consumption of medicinal resources for the treatment of diseases,
population explosion, increased tourism and other environmental hazards. Due to indiscriminate
cutting, not only the forest area is declining but valuable indigenous species are in danger and if
this inclination continues, the ultimate result would be the extinction of these species from the
area. Hence, direct conservation measures as proposed below are urgently required in order to
protect the taxon from extinction. These include,
(i) Proper documentation and conservation of indigenous knowledge need to be done,
(ii) Appropriate training of the local communities about the conservation and sustainable
utilization of medicinally important flora needs to be given,
(iii) Overgrazing and deforestation should be abridged,
(iv) Permanent monitoring programs should be developed,
(v) Natural gas should be introduced in the area as an alternate fuel source,
(vi) Promote forest management practices that benefit biodiversity conservation,
(vii) Proper health facilities should be provided to local people, and
(viii) Awareness programs at grass root level should be introduced.
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AGROBACTERIUM MEDIATED GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN

SOLANUM SURATTENSE BURMA.F (FROM LEAF EXPLANTS)
*UGANDHAR.T1, AYSHWARYA.E1, SAMMAIAH.D2, ANITHA DEVI U3. AND

RAMASWAMY N4
1
Department of Botany, SRR Govt. Arts & Science College Karimnagar 505001 (A.P.) India.
2
Department of Botany, Govt Degree College Huzurabad.- 505498
3
Department of Botany, Govt. Degree &P.G.College for Women Karimnagar -505001 (A.P.)
India.
4
Department of Biotechnology, University College Kakatiya University Warangal -506009
(A.P.) India
*E-mail:ugandharbiotech@gmailcom.in
Abstract
Genetic transformation studies have been carried out in Solanum surattence Burma.f
through Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of mature healthy leaf explants
were selected from in vitro grown plants for the present experiment. The explants were cultured
over night on a one-day-old feeder layers. These overnight cultured leaf explants were co-
cultivated with A.tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 harboring a binary vector containing the B-
glucoronidase (GUS) and neomycin phosphor transferase (Npt-11) genes. The leaf explants were
transferred to selective regeneration medium. The explants began to regenerates 3 weeks after
transformation and Kanamycin resistant shoots have been developed. Shoot developed after
transformation showed the GUS assays. Amplified DNA fragment was produced in PCR using
N-11 specific primer and DNA from the transgenics. The transgenic plants were also confirmed
using southern blotting technique. The efficiency of protocol and role of Agrobacterium
mediated transformation in crop improvement will be discussed.
KEYWORDS Agrobacterium, b-glucuronidase (GUS) Kanamycin, Cefotoxime, Transgenic
Solanum surattense .
INTRODUCTION
Solanum surattense Bum. (Solanaceae) is a perennial herb. It is usually found in India,
Pakistan, Malaya, and Australia. In Bangladesh, it was found as wild herb in almost all northern

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parts and it was very common in the Barind region. Nowadays, this plant rarely gets in the
Barind region only. The solasodine and glycosides are rich in this plant, are very common
properties for anti-cancer (Cham, 2007). Besides, this plant is widely used as folk medicine for
breathing trouble, heart diseases and pain. Some drug companies (Unani, Hamdard Laboratories,
Ayurvedic) are developed in India based on plant extract and they are attracted by the people.
These companies are using extract of S. surattense as to prepare remedy for breathing disease; as
well this plant is widely planted in highland of India. Since this herb becoming a potential
medicinal plant in south Asia, more advance investigations are needed concerning modification
of characteristics including rapid growth, increase essential chemicals content, disease resistant
and stress tolerance in this plant. Limited reports have been published on the in vitro propagation
as well as genetic transformation systems of S. surattense. Pawar et. al. (2002) developed a
technique for direct shoot organogenesis from shoot tip and leaf segments. Using nodal and
shoot tip segments, a micropropagation technique also established on this plant by Rama Swamy
et al. (2004). Rama Swamy et al. (2005a) established a protocol on plantlet regeneration through
somatic embryogenesis from cotyledon and leaf explants. Callus induction and shoot
organogenesis system from floral bud were also reported earlier for this plant proliferation
(Prasad et al., 1998). Rama Swamy (2006) reported Agrobacterium-mediated genetic
transformation systems using cotyledon explants of S. surattense. (Rama Swamy et al. 2005b)
established streptomycin-resistant S. surattense plantlets using in vitro mutagenesis.
For genetic improvement of plant, we usually use selection method as well as in vitro
molecular breeding technique. Plant breeders showing great interest on molecular breeding
technique for plant modification genetically because conventional selection method takes long
time, tedious and occurs large variation within clones. For molecular breeding based genetic
transformation, we know, efficient regeneration systems are prime requirement. Stem segments
are used as important explant for genetic transformation system, described in many plant species
(e.g., Rastogi and Dwivedi, 2006).
In some countries, the highest percentage of the acreage of some economically important
crops is transgenic; an increasing number of these transgenic varieties are or will soon be
generated by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (Gelvin, 2003). Due to the wide host range
Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation is very popular method for introducing gene of
interest into plant. Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a gene vector is limited to soybean (Hinchee et

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al., 1988, broad bean (Jelenic et al., 2000), sesame (George et al., 1987) and sunflower (Weber
et al., 2003). Brassica is also a suitable host for Agrohacterium spp. (Godwin et al., l991;
Toriyama et.al., 1991). So, the non-oncogenic Agrobacterium strain as a vector (Lin dsey, 1992)
can make possible to transfer desired gene in Brassicu. Still now, a little success in genetic
transformation has been reported in oil crop due to their recalcitrant in vitro condition (Nisbet
and Webb, 1990). The main problem about the Brassica is that, the transformed tissues (callus)
are not regenerable and the regenerable tissues (meristematic tissues) arc not transformable.
Considering all issues, the objectives of the present study was to develop a reproducible
any efficient protocol for the insertion of molecular genes into S. surattence through
Agrobacterium tumefaciens vectors and to standardize the periods of pre culture and co-
cultivation required for transformation and to analyze the putative transgenic plants using
histochemical GUS assay.
Seeds of S. surattence collected from the plant grown in the research field. Department of
Botany Kakatiya University. Dried mature seeds were soaked in sterile distilled water for 24
hours and sterilized with 0.1% (w/v) aqueous HgCl2 for 3-5 minutes followed by washing 3
times with sterile distilled water. Later these were dried on sterile on sterile tissue paper under
laminar-flow hood 20 seeds per culture bottle were germinated aseptically on Ms basal medium
containing 3%(w/v) sucrose and 0.8%(w/v) agar. These culture bottles were incubated at 25 ± 1
0 C under 16 h photoperiod. Light was provided by cool white fluorescent tubes with an intensity
of 50-60 Leaf explants from 30 day old seedlings were used for transformation experiments.
BACTERIAL STRAIN:
The Agrobacterium strain used was LBA 4404 harbon ring a binary plasmid PBIN 19
which has a npt II (Neomycin photo transferase II ) gene and a vid A (gus gene). The
Agrobacterium strain was grown on Lury and Bertani (LB) medium plates containing 5.0 gm/L
NaCl, 10 gm/L Bactotryptone, 5 gm/L Yeast Extract and 100 mg/L Kanamycin and the pH was
adjusted to 7.0 and solidified with 7 gm/L Difco/Bacto Agar.
TRANSFORMATION AND PLANT REGENERATION:
For co-cultivation two colonies from a freshly streaked plate were transferred to 10 ml of
Liquid LB medium. Agrobacterium strain LBA 4404 was grown at 28o C overnight in LB liquid

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medium containing 100 mg/L Kanamycin(KM} with shaking (approx. 250 rpm). Kanamycin
was added since the binary vectors are not completely stable in Agrobacterium in the absence of
antibiotic selection for transformation, the hypocotyls explants were submerged and gently
shaken in the Agrobacterium tumefaciens suspension for about 10 minutes and blotted dry on a
sterile filter paper. Afterwards, they were transferred to shoot regeneration (SR) medium
containing MS salts (0.5 mg/L) IAA+(3.0 mg/L) BAP for hypocotyl explants and co cultivated
under 16 hr. photo period of 50-60 μmol m-2 S-1 For 3 days at 25 ± 2oC. After co-culture, the
explants were washed in the MS liquid medium blotted dry on a sterile filter paper and
transferred to the freshly prepared selective SR medium (MS1) supplemented with antibiotics
200 mg/L cefotoxime and 100 mg/L Kanamycin.(Table-1) Simultaneously a control was also
maintained. After 4 weeks, the growing shoots were excised from the primary explants and sub
cultured in fresh proliferation selective medium containing 100 mg/L KM (MS2). The green
healthy shoots from explants were subjected to 2-3 passages of selection by repeated excision of
branches and their exposure to selective elongation medium (MS2).The green shoots were
transferred to MS medium containing (0.1 mg/L) with Kanamycin (100 mg/L) for root induction
(Table-2). (Fig I B, C and D)
CULTURE CONDITIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS:
All the cultures were incubated at 25± 2oC and 16 hr. /8 hr photoperiod under 50-60 μ
mol m-2 S-1 white fluorescent light. All the experiments were carried out in 10 replicates. The
experiments were replaced at least 3 times, keeping all the Parameters unchanged.
HISTOCHEMICAL GUS ASSAY
The histochemical GUS assay was carried out according toStaining was done by placing
the tissue into X-gluc, staining buffer in a small vessel, X-Gluc stock was prepared by dissolving
X-Gluc 20 mg/ml in Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO). To make 1 ml of staining buffer 0.85 μl
sterile distilled water was mixed with 100 μl monosodium PO4 (pH-7), 5 ml of X-Gluc stock and
5 μl Triton X-100 in an eppendoraff tubes. The sample was incubated overnight at 37oC. Later
these explants were treated with aceto alcohol (1:3 v/v) mixture to remove chlorophyll and then
fixed in 70 % ethanol. The tissues were examined under stereomicroscope for the evidence of
blue cells. X-glucuronide (5-bromo-4- chloro-3-indolyl glucuronide) is colorless but the indoxy
product derived after glucoronidase activity undergoes oxidative dimerisation to from an
insoluble indigo blue (Fig I A)

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RESULTS
We have standardization the plant regeneration in S. surattence from leaf explants using.
MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L IAA+3.0 mg/L BAP. The combination was routinely
TABLE-1. Successive growth media used for the transformation and selection of
Transgenic shoots from Leaf explants of S.surattense
Sl No Steps and Components of Media MS 1 Medium MS 2 Medium
1 Time for Agro bacterium tumefacience Inoculation) 8 minutes -
2 Co-cultivation with Agro bacterium tumefacience 2 minutes -
3 Proliferation of shoots ----------- 4-5 Weeks
4 Kanamycine selection and shoot regeneration ----------- 6-7 Weeks
5 MS salts gm / L. 4.5 4.3
6 Sucrose gm / L 25.0 3.0
IAA+BAP IAA+BAP
7 Hormone mg/L.
(0.5)+(3.0) (0.5)+(3.0)
8 Cefotaxime mg/L. --------- 200
9 Kanamycine mg / L. --------- 100
10 pH 5.8 5.8
11 Agar-Agar gm/L 8.0 8.0

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used for the present transformation experiments. The explant (leaf) co-cultivated with
Agrobacterium tumefaciens formed shoots 6 weeks of culture on selective shoot regeneration
medium (MS1). The control explants which were not co-cultivated did not produce when
cultured on MS1 medium indicating the effective level of Kanamycin (100 mg/L) (Table-2).
a b
c d
Figure 1: Plant regeneration from leaf explants of S.surattense transformed with gus gene
A) Blue colour formation on selection medium with 100 mg/ L kanamycin

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B) Shoots elongated from the kanamycin resistant from leaf explants after 4 weeks of
Culture.
C) GUSexpression in transformed tissue (developing shoots after 6 weeks of culture.
D) In vitro rooting from Kanamycin resistant micro shoots after 8 weeks of culture.
TABLE-2 Successive growth media used for the transformation and selection of
Transgenic shoots from Leaf explants of S.surattense
Explants Mean No of
Explant Strain No of Explants Culture Explants Bleached with callus Shoots/Explants
shoots (S.E}*
Leaf** ___ 40 ----- 3.0±1.0 7.3±0.3
Leaf LBA4404 40 15 15±03 2.3±2.0
* Mean ± Standard Error, ** on normal regeneration Medium
Kanamycin sensitivity of leaf explants was assessed prior to Agrobacterium transformation to

determine the concentration of Kanamycin needed for effective growth of transgenic plants. At
(50 mg/L) Kanamycin caused chlorosis and eventual necrosis in all explants by the end of the
fourth week. Whereas concentrations of (75 mg/L) and (100 mg/L) Kanamycin completely
inhibited the formation of shoot buds. In the present study higher concentration of Kanamycin
(100 mg/L) was used for selection of transformants to prevent possible escapes.
High percentage of cultures producing green shoots was observed in leaf explants (Table-
2). After four weeks the growing green shoots (Fig I B) from MS1 medium were excised and
transferred into MS2 medium for proliferation.
The transformed shoots were multiplied by culturing on MS2 medium containing
100mg/L kanamycin to confirm the stability of the transgenic shoots. Leaf explants from
transgenic plants when cultured on shoot regeneration medium containing kanamycin showed
the plant regeneration thus the stability was also achieved by leaf strip assay.

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Most of the transgenic clones appeared morphologically normal in comparison with the
untransformed plants. The putative transformed shoots which attained 2-3 cm in length were
excised and then transferred to the MS3 medium for rooting (Fig I D)
The leaves from transgenic shoots were subjected to in situ GUS assay ((Fig I C). The
expression of uid a gene was verified by histochemical staining of the leaf of the transgenic
plants. The npt II positive regenerants showed the typical indigo blue colouration of X-Glue
treatment while the untransformed ones didn’t show GUS activity. Also, more than 33% and
27% of the regenerants from leaf explants respectively were Gus positives. These results clearly
demonstrate the stability of the transformed plants.
DISCUSSION
We have achieved the successful genetic transformation mediated by
Agrobacteriumtumefaciens strain LBA 4404 which has a binary vector pBIN 19 derivative with
an intron containing GUS gene. The successful transformation was also reported in a number of
Solanaceous species Solanum melongena (Flippone and Lurquin, 1989: Rotino and Gleddie,
1990; Leon et al., 1993; Fari et. al., 1995) S.sismbrifolium (Rao et al., 1997) S.muricatum
(Atkinson and Gardner, 1991), S.tuberosum (Sheerman and Bevan, 1988); Lycoperiscon
esculentum (Hood et.al., 1986a) Capsicum annum (Liu et.al., 1990); Nicotina tobacum (Hood
et.al., 1986) and produced transgenic plants.
Transformation efficiency was found to be higher in other Solanaceous plants. This
transformation efficiency is dependent on various factors type of explants, size, explants
orientation on selective regeneration medium, gelling agent and plate sealed and the frequency of
transfer to fresh selective medium. Frary and Earle (1996) have examined the effect of various
factors on efficiency of Agrobacterium–mediated transformation in Lycopersicon esculentum cv.
Money maker using cotyledon and hypocotyls explants. Mc Cormick (1991) has reported that the
leaf explants were more efficient in generating transgenic shoots as observed in the present
investigations. Whereas Liu et al., (1990) has reported that the transformation efficiency was
higher in leaf followed by hypocotyls and cotyledon explants and also noted the same differential
response between the A.tumefaciens strains C58 and A281 used in bell pepper. The strain C58
showed more transformation efficiency compared to A281 in all the explants co-cultivated.
Although most published protocols report the use of whole cotyledons as explants (Davis et. al.,
1991; Mc Cormick, 1991; Van Rockel et. al., 1993), cutting cotyledons into two or three pieces

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(depending) on their size is recommended as a way to maximize the number of transformants

obtained from a minimum number of seedlings (Fray and Earle, 1996). Armstead and Webb
(1987) found that cotyledons of Lotus corniculatus were more readily transformed than leaves
from seedlings grown in vitro. Young leaves were transformed more frequently than old leaves.
However, leaves from old papaya plants were found to be more easily transformed than
cotyledons or leaves from young plants (Pang and Sanford, 1988).
Agrobacterium- mediated genetic transformation efficiency is not only genotype
dependent but also varies with the strains used. The stable integration of GUS and NPT II genes
in Mentha arvensis and Mentha spicata has been achieved by A. tumefacies mediated gene
transfer. Differences in transformation efficiency between M.spicata and M. arvensis became
apparent in the percentage of explants producing kanamycin resistant (Km R) calli for the two
Agrobacterium strains used. M. spicata explants produced 53% KmR calli with GV 2260/GL
and 71% with EHA 105/MOG whereas 5% and 1.2% M.arvensis KmR calli were obtained
respectively with GV 2260/GI and EHA 105/MOG (Diemer et. al., 1991) reported the difference
in degree of transformation caused by three different A. tumefaciens strains, pTi-A6 related
plasmids (i.e., those in A6 and A66) have less expression of vir genes than pTiBO 542 plasmids
(i.e., those in strain A 281). Hussain et.al., (1997) also reported in two varieties of Chick pea
(6153 and CM72), Agrobacterium strain A281 was found to be more efficient in transformation
than C58.strain A281 was found to be more efficient in transformation than C58.
Schroeder et. al., (1993) reported that presence of growth regulators in the co-cultivation
medium enhanced transformation frequency in Pisum. Venkatachalam et.al., (2000) have also
found an important factor for efficient transformation in Arachis hypogaea was the 2-day pre
culture of the cotyledon explants, which probably served to reduce wound stress and increased
the number of competent cells at the wound site. Similar results were also reported in other
species by Muthukumar et. al., (1996).
Davis et. al., 1991 have studied the effect of tomato cultivar, leaf age and bacterial strain
and density of bacterial inoculum on transformation by Agrobacterium tumefaciens and reported
the variation in transformation frequencies based on those factors. Plant cultivar was also found
to have an 85-fold higher transformation rather than another (Eapen-Kohler et. al., 1987).
Petunia nurse cell culture technique also enhances the efficiency of A.tumefaciens
mediated transformation. Recently, Rama Swamy et. al., (2001) have reported the high

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transformation efficiency (96%) with petunia nurse cell suspension feeder layer culture
compared to without feeder layers in leaf discs of Nicotiana tobacum cv. Sunsun.
Acetosyringone (AS) is a phenolic compound released by wounded cells and it plays an
important role in the natural infection of plants by A. tumefaciens as it activates the virulence
genes of the Ti-plasmid and initiates the transfer of the T-DNA region to the plant DNA.
Exogenous addition of AS in the medium has shown to increase Ti transformation frequencies
with Allium cepa, Antirrhinum majus, Arabidopsis thaliana, Atropa belladonna, Brassica
compestris, Glycine mad, Nicotiana tabacum and pickling cucumber (Mathews et. al., 1990;
Godwin et. al., 1991; Holford et. al., 1992; Sarmento et. al., 1992). Frary and Earle (1996) have
also reported the enhanced transformation in tomato when the explants (cotyledons and
hypocotyls segments) co-cultivated in the presence of AS showed the npt II gene more efficient
expression than control transformants. Furthermore, regeneration efficiency from transformed
explants of Solanum melongena was enhanced by using growth regulators, such as TDZ and
antibiotics like augmentin (300 µ g/ml) (Billings et. al., 1997).
Agronomically important characters have been genetically engineered in major crop
plants using Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation. Hinchee (1988) first time achieved
the successful recovery of transformed Soyabean plants for engineering herbicide resistance.
After words, this transformation technology was used for introducing agronomically important
traits for improvement of the crop in the following species using Agrobacterium: sugar beet
(Herbicide tolerance –D’Halluin et. al., 1995), cotton (Insect resistance, Herbicide tolerance –
Umbeck 1987), Papaya (virus resistance – Fitsch et. al., 1993), poplar (Herbicide resitance –
Filatti, 1988), Potato (Insect resistance, virus resistance, herbicide tolerance, - Van den Elzen et.
al., 1995), and tomato (Delayed ripening (increased shelf life), virus resistance – (Sanders et. al.,
1992; Redenbaugh et. al., 1993; Reed et. al., 1995). Kemper et. al., (1992) have developed the
transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana which are methatrexate resistant due to integration of T-DNA
vectors containing a Chimeric dihydrofolate redudctase gene. Lawrence and Koundal (2001)
have developed the transgenic pigeonpea resistant to chewing insects mainly pod borers using
Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV 2260 containing the construct of isolated cowpea protease
inhibitor gene (pCPI).
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed biotech plant types
of cotton, brinjal and tomato and now working on evolving similar plants of rice, chickpea an

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pigeon and thus, over 35 genetically improved plants created this way. Trials have also been
going on in various laboratories to introduce important traits such as herbicide tolerance, virus,
abiotic stress and disease resistance including “nif” genes in cereals viz., maize, sorghum and
oryza using this A. tumefaciens.
After transfer of the gene of interest using A. tumefaciens the transgene
expression is also an important one. The trasgene expression in transgenic populations can vary
due to dominant effect exerted by neighbouring plant sequences such as enhancers and silencers
may also influence the activity of the introduced genes. Breyene et. al., (1992a) have studied the
influence of the T-DNA configuration on inter – transformant expression variability of a reporter
gene. The transcriptional interference can diminish the activity of a gene located downstream in
opposite orientation (Ingelbrecht et. al., 1991). Breyene et. al., (1992a) have introduced an
additional 3’nos region between the transgene and the RB (right border) in such an orientation
that it would stop possible trancscripts coming from the flanking plant DNA. The presence of
3’nos resulted in transgenic population with 1.5 to 2-fold higher mean gus ‘A’ proximinity of the
‘35S’ enhancer sequences to ‘Pnos’ results in an increase of gus’A’ expression. Other molecular
causes such as the local DNA structure and / or the higher- order chromatin arrangement
(Breyene et. al., 1992 b) possibly also have an important role in the overall level of gene
expression.
In view of the importance of A. tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation; the
protocol which was developed during the present studies can be utilized to transfer genes of
interest for genetic improvement of medicinally important herb S. surattense.
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MULTI ROLE MULBERRY
A.SRINU, Lecturer in sericulture Govt. degree and PG college, Bhadrachalam
srisatcrl@gmail.com
Mulberry forms the basic food material for silk worms and the bulk of the silk goods
produced in the world are from mulberry silk worms. Mulberry belongs to the genus MORUS.
Morus is the Latin word. Mulberry includes a no of species (nearly 20) and varieties. Mulberry
plant is exploited in different ways for commercial production of silk, as mulberry in the chief
food for Bombyx mori. Mulberry leaf protein is the source for the silk worm to biosynthesize the
silk which is made of two proteins, fibroin and sericine. Nearly 70% of the silk proteins
produced by a silkworm is directly derived from the proteins of mulberry leaves. Mulberry is
grown as a bush in tropical countries and as middling’s and trees in temperate countries.
Mulberry is believed to be a native either of India or China and it is believed to have originated
on the lower slopes of Himalayas towards, the year 2800BC. A global survey of sericulture
industry reveals that there are at least 29 countries where mulberry is cultivated. Mulberry
contains different chemicals of medicinal value in leaf, fruit, stem, seed and root portions. The
chemical substances are normally extracted in aqueous media in form decoctions and
concoctions.
Role of mulberry:
Mulberry is truly a multipurpose plant. Its foliage for silkworm rearing fruits for food
industry and beverages and applications in various industries like pharmaceutical and medical
surgery, beauty care, cosmetics etc. mulberry is a source of food (human consumption), source of
medicine, source of dish items, source of paper industry, source of beauty care, cosmetics and
source of wine industry
Multipurpose use of mulberry is well-documented by several perhaps one of the very rare tree
species, which can serve all the important requirements of mankind namely food, fodder, fiber
and fuel.
SOURCE OF FOOD:

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Mulberry leaf: In India, the major nutritional problems are protein energy malnutrition, vitamin
A deficiency and anemia. Protein is an essential component of human tissues including body
fluids.
Mulberry leaf is rich in protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, carotene and vitamins.
The amino acids found in mulberry leaves are aspartic acid, methionine, threonine, Lysine,
arginine, histidine, leucine, proline, and tryptophan. The utilization of mulberry in food industry
is very well-established in South Korea and China. The leaves and leaf powder are utilized for
preparation of various products to supplement human diet viz., noodles, biscuits, bread, basket
bread, bean curd, broth, bukumi, cake, yogurt, sauce, salad, omlet, cookie, pudding, ice creams
etc.. In India, there are reports of mulberry leaf being utilized in food preparation like, curry and
parothas. The fresh and healthy mulberry leaves along with tender twigs are utilized for
preparation of recipes viz., leaf pakoda, vada while the processed leaf powder in the preparation
of idly, dosa, parotha, chapathi and other bakery items like cakes and biscuits.
Mulberry fruits: mulberry bears delicious fruits which are popular in many countries of the
world. The fruit is a typical sorosis, juicy with sweet taste. Fresh, ripe mulberry fruits contain 85-
88% of water, 7.8-9.2% carbohydrate (sugars, mainly glucose and fructose), 0.4-1.5% protein,
0.4-0.5% fat(mainly fatty acids such as linoleic, stearic and oleic acids in the seeds), 1.1-1.9% of
free acids(mainly malic acids), 0.9-1.4% of fiber and 0.7-0.9% minerals. Besides using directly
and as juice, fruits are also use in preparation of jam, jelly, squash and wine. In India, many
commercial products of mulberry fruits are marketed at Panchagani, Maharashtra. Processing of
mulberry fruits for preparation of squash and wine were standardized at CSR&TI, Mysore.
Mulberry leaf powder as an ingredient in poultry feed: In poultry feed, generally animals
proteins are used as protein source. Mulberry leaf is rich in Carbohydrates (24-27%), proteins
(22-24%), minerals (9-11%- and fibers (12-14%) preliminary experiments conducted at CSRTI,
Mysore by incorporating processed mulberry leaf powder in poultry feed indicated their
suitability for the purpose.
Mulberry foliage asfodder: Mulberry is grown as trees for fodder and does not need heavy
inputs. The species of M. alba, M. indica and M. multicaulis are most suitable as green fodder
due to their soft, non leathery texture, and rich protein and carbohydrate contents. About 35-40%

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of food supplied to silkworms remains uneaten and forms a good fodder. As such, the
combination of silk and milk is a very popular activity in select districts of Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The mulberry leaves also act as stimulant for lactation in the cattle. It
is estimated that 1 ha of mulberry garden can sustain 3-4 milking animals there by, adding
Rs.8,000-10,000 to family income.
SOURCE OF MEDICINE:
Health drink from mulberry leaf: mulberry leaves have been reported to posses diverse
functional properties like reduction in blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol in addition
to recovery from arteriosclerosis, liver lipid and also to increase the defense enzyme activity. The
medicinal uses of mulberry are well-documented in Ayurveda. Mulberry has the properties of
Madhura rasa, Guruguna and sheeta veerya. Mulberry leaves are considered diaphoretic and
emollient. A decoction of leaves is used as a gargle in inflammations of the throat.
The health drinks/green teas prepared from mulberry are popular in Japan, China, Thailand
and South Korea. Mulberry leaves contain antioxidants that help body to detoxify harmful excess
free radicals. Antioxidants promote heart health; help combat and guard against diseases like
diabetes, blood pressure, intestinal problems and others. The pharmaceutical value of mulberry is
well-documented.
A health drink SPOORTHI had been developed at the CSR&TI, Mysore. It is a processed
powder prepared from quality mulberry leaves. The product clinically tested for a period of 6
months involving 180 patients, was found effective in controlling diabetes and hypotension
reducing gastric and constipation problems and revitalizing the body as an energy source.
Mulberry green tea:
In Japan, tea prepared from the powder of mulberry leaves is taken as a traditional health drink.
The mulberry leaf derived tea, kuwacha (R) has already been commercialized by Saitama, Japan.
The biological function of tea have been analyzed, and found to contain a wide range of biogenic
amines viz., dopamine (DA), L-PODA, etc. presence of L-DOPA in mulberry leaf may act as a
precursor to synthesize caffeic acid in mammals. These caffeic acid and B-hydroxyanthranilic
acid can be extracted in larger quantity.

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Other advantages:
• Helps to decrease quantity of cholesterol of blood vessel
• Balances blood pressure
• Relieves muscle exhaustion and cramps.
• Decreases the risk and danger of liver cancer
• Decreases wedge-shaped blood that causes clogging of blood vessel and heart muscle
• Decreases glucose from blood in case of diabetes
• Decreases bone decaying with high calcium
• Increases blood vessel and liquid in body flow smoothly to effect lungs, stomach,
intestine, kidney and bladder to work continuously and effectively
Medicines from mulberry fruits: In the modern Chinese Materia Medica, mulberry fruit is
classified as a blood tonic. Traditionally, mulberry fruit has been used as a medicinal agent to
nourish the blood, benefit the kidneys, and treat weakness, fatigue, anaemia and premature
graying of hair. It is also used to treat urinary incontinence, tinnitus, dizziness, and constipation
in the elderly and the anemic. The fruit has cooling effect and used as laxative for sore throats,
dyspepsia and melancholia fruit juice has been commercially produced as a health beverage.
Medicines from mulberry root/shoot: the mulberry root is reported to posses anthelminthic and
astringent properties. The roots of black mulberry, morus nigra have a special effect on the
pancreas and glycogenolysis. Hence, root juice is administered to diabetic patients as decoction,
which has capacity to reduce blood sugar. Mulberry root juice has the capacity of agglutinating
the blood. The medicine prepared from the root of M. alba is called glucosidae which can be
administered to the patients suffering from high blood pressure. The methanolic extract of roots
has anti-inflammatory, exudative, proliferative and antipyretic activities. The bark of the root has
a bitter taste and is somewhat acrid, possessing cathartic and anthelmintic properties. Its juice

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helps in killing round worms, tape worms and hook worms in the digestive system. Several
decoctions prepared from root bark are used against acute nephritis, bronchial asthma,
pneumonia, cirrhosis, acne vulgaris, pertusis, whooping cough, senile pneumonia and
hemoptysis. The root bark of M. nigra contains deoxyjirimycin (DNJ) alkaloid, which is said to
be effective against AIDS virus.
Mulberry shoot on injury produces free flowing latex, which has the property of healing
wounds and injuries. It can be used as dermal ointment.The mulberry bark can be collected by
peeling the branches/shoots. The mulberry tree bark is yellowish brown and thin in appearance.
The mulberry stem/shoot bark is used as purgative and vermifuge. Its main functions are to
reduce heat from the lungs, promote urination and reduce oedema. In Chinese Medicine,
mulberry bark is reported to treat a variety of disorders, such as cough, asthma, excessive phlegm
and dysuria.
SOURCE OF COSMETICS:
Cosmetics from mulberry leaf: it has been reported that steam distillates of mulberry leaves
contain various volatile constituents viz., n-butanol, â-ã-hexenol, methyl –ethyl acetaldehyde, n-
butylaldehyde, isobutylaldehyde, valeraldehyde, hexaldehyde, â-ã-hexenal, acetone, methyl-
ethyl ketone, methyl-hexyl ketone, propionic and isobutyric acids. Further, the presence of
various chemical constituents such as calcium malate, succinic and tartaric acids, xanthophylls,
and isoquercitrin, tannins, adenine, choline and trigonelline bases in young leaves of mulberry is
reported. Various soaps, sunscreen lotions, hair oils, hair conditioners and anti-ageing creams
prepared from mulberry leaves are already commercialized in Asian countries and Australia.
TABLE : IMPORTANT COMPOUNDS OF MULBERRY LEAF POWDER USEFUL IN

FORMULATION OF COMETICS
Activity Attributed compounds

Cosmetic Activity Behenic-acid, myristic-acid, Stearic-acid
Sunscreen Activity Apigenin, Opcs, Rutin
Anti aging Activity Apigenin,Ascorbic-acid, Beta-carotene,
Bilobalide, Chromium, Quercetin.

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Beauty soap: In the market, soaps are available under the trade names of Bio-Sericin cosmetic
soap and Sova Silk road cosmetic soap.
Mulberry leaf soap: This product eliminates heavy metals, cleans and freshens blood and is also
good for preventing aging problems of skin. It is a highly moisturizing beauty soap, which is
made of natural resources so that it can give massage effect with rich bubbles.
SOURCE OF VALUABLE TIMBER AND FUEL:
Timber is obtained from species of M. alba, M. indica, M. serrata and M. laevigata. The timber is
comparable with that of teak. It is heavy, moderately strong, straight grained and easy to work,
turn, bend and finish. Use of mulberry wood in manufacture of sports goods and toys is well
known since long. Due to elasticity, strength of the wood, fine and grains and polishing, wood is
used for manufacturing tennis rackets, cricket stumps, bats etc.. Because of the fine grains and
smoothness, it is also extensively used in the manufacture of bobbins, pullies, tool handles
furniture items, toys, agriculture implements, cheap guns, rifles, boat buildings etc.. The poles of
M. laevigata (Bola) and M. serrata are very popular for house building in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. In Kumaun region, mulberry bark is used in the paper industry. The wood is also used
for preparation of baskets in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Because of huge biomass producing capacity, mulberry can be used as fuel for
domestic uses. In intensive sericulture areas of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,
mulberry stumps/shoots are used as fuel for cooking. About 15-20tonnes of fresh shoots/stumps
are produced from 1 ha of mulberry garden and 8-10tonnes of dried fuel is available 3 to 4 times
a year.
Wonder plant on earth for its medicinal and pharmaceutical values, thereby making
moriculture a profitable enterprise.
SOURCE OF MULBERRY BASKET MAKING:
The twigs and branches of mulberry plants, once the leaves are used for silkworm rearing, are
generally used for preparing manure or for fuel in the rural areas. But, in some parts of the
country, they are used in the preparation of baskets for agricultural purposes, which bring in
better value addition to farmers.

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For example, the farmers in sujanpur, pathankot, dharblock, haridwar and other areas in
the region use mulberry twigs for making basket and handle of the agricultural implements.
The farmers here take up this work mainly as a part time venture when agricultural
activities are less or after the crop harvest; but for many, it’s a source of livelihood too. the whole
family is engaged in the work of pruning, collection, maintenance of the mulberry twigs for
basket making.
SOURCE OF MULBERRY WOOD ART:
The uprooted old mulberry stumps are excellent firewood. Mulberry wood is used for
making sports items like cricket bats. May be, no one ever thought that mulberry wood and old
stumps can also be materials for art.
The repeated pruning of mulberry plants and trees makes the branches take curious turns
and curves. White ants which inhabit such old wood eat away a lot of sift parts, leaving the hard
wood an artistic look, naturally. With a little artistic aptitude and approach, and a lot of patience,
one can convert these dried and curiously shaped wood pieces into fine art materials of various
shapes. Finely finished products will enjoy better value addition and market prospects. Wood
paint or varnish painted product will give an exquisite look.
SOURCE OF DISH ITEMS:
Mulberry leaves are used for human consumption in the form of mulberry leaf tea or
juice, and also to prepare other delicious recipes. In the present study, mulberry based tomato
and onion soup were prepared.
Three varieties of mulberry viz., L-1, CM, and S-1531 were randomly selected. The
leaves at second, third and fourth position from the apex of the plant were plucked.

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Nutrient Mulberry Spinach Fenugreek Amarnath Bathua Mustard

leaves leaves leaves leaves
Protein (g) 6.78 2.0 4.4 4.0 3.7 4.0
Carotene(micro 13125 5580 2340 5520 1740 2622
g)
Iron(mg) 7.84 1.14 1.93 3.49 4.20 16.30
Calcium(mg) 786 73 395 397 150 155
Vitamin C(mg) 230 28 52 99 35 33
Fiber(g) 1.85 0.6 1.1 1.0 0.8 0.8
TABLE 2: STANDARDIZED RECIPE FOR MULBERRY LEAF BASED TOMATO AND

ONION SOUPS
Ingredients Mulberry leaf based tomato Mulberry leaf based onion

soup (g) soup (g)
Mulberry leaves 60 60
Tomato 40 40
Ginger 10 10
Butter 5 5
Corn flour 10 10
Black pepper 0.5 1
Salt 3 2.5
Cumin seeds 0.5 0.5
Lemon juice Few drops

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TABLE3: NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF FORMULATED SOUPS
Variety Moisture Crude protein Iron(mg/100g) Ascorbic

percent (g/100g) acid(mg/100g)
Mulberry leaf based 89.31 5.39 2.110 12.00
tomato soup(CM)
Tomato soup-control 88.85 0.87 2.142 4.00
Mulberry leaf based 89.80 5.83 2.147 11.33
onion soup(CM)
Onion soup-control 91.15 1.02 2.070 2.60
In South Korea, to control diabetes, silkworm tables are also used. Mulberry leaves wafers are
used as optimum nutrition for human health with high contents of vitamins A and C. value added
byproducts of sericulture are used in large quantity of food, confectionery and chocolate
industries.
With abundant medicinal properties, no wonder, mulberry finds a unique position in herbal
remedies, and is used extensively in Ayurvedic for curing many serious diseases.
Area under mulberry cultivation in different states of India:
• Andhra Pradesh -38,084
• Assam- 2,813
• Jammu Kashmir -4,717
• Karnataka -1,66,000
• Kerala -1,114
• Madhya Pradesh -2,043
• Manipur -25,975
• Tamil Nadu -9,497

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• Uttar Pradesh -5,665
• West Bengal -21,358
• Other -4,934 -2,82,244 hectors
Source -R.K. Datta
A vision for increasing mulberry plant parts for additional revenue generation.:
Emphasis has been made to bring out a vision for increasing of the medicinal production
• Inculcate the formers the making of the medicinal production of mulberry for additional
income
• Suitable marketing facilities to be created
• Stress may be given to strengthen the extension support
• Technology development of formulation of strategies
• Area expansion programme to be taken up
• Provide suitable platform to utilize excess/waste mulberry plant parts for additional
revenue generation.
• Preparation of high value antioxidant products, based on identified mulberry clone(s)

for nutraceutical food industry (achievable in a time frame of 3-5 years).
• Isolation of specific products for pharmaceutical use (achievable in a time frame of 5-8
years)
• Deployment of identified major antioxidants trait(s) in breeding program for quality

improvement with higher antioxidative properties (>8 years).

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REFERENCES:
• Sericulture in Japan, central silk board, Bombay India, 1963.
• Silk in India, CSB India, 1972.
• Sericulture, technical book series, overseas technical, co-operation agency, 1971.
• Hamada S. Propagation of mulberry tree in Japan, J. Silk worm, 1958.
• Rao L.S.P, Rao J.P and Narayanan, E.S Response to mulberry seeds to aibberellic acid,
1963.
• Tazima, Y. Report on sericulture industry in India.CSB, 1958.
• Mukharjee, S.K. Breeding of mulberry in India by the use if a pollinator, 1965.
• Janki Ammal, E.K. the origin of black mulberry, 1948.
• Venkateshan, K.N. Life history of morus indica.CSB.
• Kadambi K. Morus alba linn, 1949.
• Katsumata mulberry species in West java and their peculiarities, 1972.
• Mukharjee, hand book of sericulture, 1899.
• Indian silk journals.
• Dandin, S.B. and M.V. Rajan, Utilization of byproduct of sericulture, 2005.

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ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN PROPAGATION OF SOME IMPORTANT

MEDICINAL PLANTS
CH. A. RAMULU
Regional Institute of Education
Unit IX, Sachiwalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar-751022
e-mail: charamulu@rediffmail.com
INTRODUCTION
The production of secondary metabolites as plant products using cell tissue culture technology
is increasing demand for inclination towards preparation of herbal drugs. There is a lot of
demand for raw material which contains active principles of medicinal activity available for
optimum quantities in the plant body. Using in vitro multiplication or clonally propagation
techniques medicinal plants can be is propagated for its diversity and conservation. According to
WHO recent report, 80% of rural people still depend on herbal medicines for their common
diseases and health related problems 18. Biotechnological tools are important for in vitro
multiplication of medicinal plants using various, experimental techniques such as regeneration,
clonally multiplication, somatic embryos and cell line selection.
Plant tissue culture as an important aspect of Biotechnology assumes special significance for
us to reap the benefit of our biodiversity and heritage. Plant Propagation is the first phase of
complete package of production technology of herbal medicines that passes through cultivation,
post harvest drying, herb storage, primary processing, dry extraction and quality control.
Ultimate efficacy of herbal drugs mainly depends on its starting materials i.e. characterized germ
plasma having desired marker (bioactive) compounds. Therefore, out sourcing of right
propagates for further large scale multiplication is essential step. Plants were used from ancient
times for cure of human ailments in one way or other. The advent of Ayurveda is equated with
the advent of mankind on earth. The system percolated through Dhanwanthari, Aswini kumars
and the great sages like Charaka and Susurtha, the Acharyas and down to present physicians.
Much change has occurred in the drug manufacturing scene as well. The traditional practice of
Vydyas selecting the raw drugs from his own back yard gave way to over the counter of raw
drugs from its natural habitats, substantial adulteration and substitution. Plant tissue culture

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strategy is being adopted to meet the increasing demand of uniform plant based medicinal
products based on the principles of in vitro cloning.
The herbal medicines have been recognized as an important source of therapeutically effective
medicines with the observation that of the introduction of many naturally derived products are
approved as drugs. Herbal products derived from botanical sources are mostly available from
wild sources and present the greatest challenges for ensuring consistent product quality.
Environmental factors like condition of soil, availability of light and water, variant temperature,
nutrients and geographical location effect the accumulation or percentatage of phytochemicals or
phytoconstituents influence the physical appearance of the plant and chemical quality of
botanical source materials( mukharjee etal).The intervention of biotechnology or to be precise,
plant tissue culture for accelerating clonal multiplication of desired clones and strains of
medicinal plants through micropropagation and their conservation of herbal preparation.
The pattern of diversity for morphological and alkaloid yield related traits in Catharanthus
roseus accessions in and around were used for in vitro propagation. The M.S. medium containing
1.0 mg/L Benzyl amino urine, propagated with single nodal explant with induction of buds in
cultures. Hardening of rooted to the soil was successful with 98% successful. Hypocotyls
explants of germinating seeds were induced somatic embryos for proliferation, maturation used
as propagule for multiplication. This paper reviews certain aspects of micro propagation of
commonly used medicinal plant using tissue culture methods.
Regeneration and beginning of micro propagation of Medicinal plants
For production of plant based medicines tissue culture propagation holds tremendous potential
for high quality plant material in terms of herbal products. This can only be achieved through
different methods including micro propagation or clonal multiplication with this multiplication
rate is greatly increased. High efficiency in regeneration from shoot apical meristems will also
permit permits the production of pathogen free material. Beyond the discovery of Kinetin, the
major work on invitro regeneration has been careered around tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
tissue culture, culminating in the first convincing demonstration of the control of differentiation
of shoots or roots or both by the kinetin-auxin ratio fallowed by carrot (Daucus carota L.) tissue
culture and birth of concept of totipotency of plant cell with the regeneration of complete
flowering plants of carrot from phloem cells. Thus the micropropagation of medicinal plants
remained neglected till complete of Rauvolfia serpentine (L.) Benth a miracle drug plant of
India, were produced from its somatic callus tissue, which grow ex vitro and fruited normally 16.
Presently, there are several reports on important medicinal plants, where the complete plants
have been regenerated in vitro leave alone their multiplication in substantial numbers or on a
large-scale and their field cultivation.

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Micro propagation of selected medicinal plants was studied using various explants for tissue
culture and clonal propagation studies both in laboratory and field conditions. Explants were
prepared using surface sterilization agents like 0.1 of Hgcl2 with pretreatment of 70% of Ethyl
alcohol for about 5-6 minutes. The excised explants were thoroughly washed using sterile water
for several rinses under laminar air flow hood. For tissue culture experiments of proliferation and
induction of multiple shoots universal M.S nutrient solidified agar medium is used for all
experimental investigations including induction of static cultures, in vitro shoot induction, and
multiplication and propagation techniques. Various combinations of auxins and cytokinins were
incorporated in the M.S medium to standerdise the protocol for exploring the genotypic
specificity of the medicinal plants in response to the tissue culture. Among various growth
regulators used with deferent combinations of Benzyl adenine, Napthalene acetic acid, Benzyl
aminopurine and kinetin. The experimental investigations were also conducted. Plant
regeneration from shoot in relation to growth of unorganized callus cultures, regeneration
through somatic embryogenesis 11.
Organogenesis: Under control of conditions the induction of callus growth and subsequent
differentiation and organogenesis is accomplished by the differential application of growth
regulators in the culture medium. In M.S medium the stimulus for explants to endogenous
growth regulators for induction of cell division, cell growth and tissue differentiation was
observed.
Induction and Regeneration of Somatic Embryos: On appropriate suitable tissue culture

medium the somatic embryogenesis can be induced by a process where groups of somatic cells/
tissues lead to the formation of somatic embryos which resemble the zygotic embryos of intact
seeds. Tissue culture based Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from single cells that
can also be induced to produce an embryo and then on maturation of somatic embryo gives
complete plants was successfully demonstrated in many medicinal plant species. Embryogenic
calluses and germination of somatic embryos in vine varieties of Medicago sativa has been
achieved using an M.S.medium containing 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D and TDZ)
as plant growth regulating substances 15.Prerequisites for commercial plantlet production for
efficient development and germination through process of desiccation of somatic embryos are
done by lowering of growth regulator concentrations in culture media has improved embryo-
development and germination.
Successfully the somatic embryos germinated after being treated with distilled water for a
week they were subsequently transferred to half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0
mg/L IAA, 1.0 mg/L GAB and 1% sucrose. Germination of somatic embryos is achievable on
MS medium without incorporation of plant growth regulators.
Cryopreservation:In long term conservation methods cryopreservation of in vitro cultures of

medicinal plants is one of the most useful technique. In this technique of Cryopreservation leads
to long term preservation method in liquid nitrogen (-1960C) where the cell division, metabolic

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and bio-chemical processes. A large number of tissues cultured survived plant materials can be
stored in liquid nitrogen. Cryopreservation provides an opportunity for conservation of
endangered medicinal plants since whole plants can regenerate from frozen culture5. The cell
cultures of medicinal and alkaloid producing plants of Rauvolfia serpentine, D. lantana, A.
belladonna, Hyoscyamus sps. Low temperature storage has been successfully reported for
production of secondary plant products. The Plant materials which is stored under
cryopreservation techniques while regeneration of plants and acclimatization there is no
abnormality is seen either in fertility or in alkaloid content, Cryopreservation has been used
successfully to store a range of tissue types, including meristems, anthers/ pollen, embryos, calli
and even protoplasts 7.
REPRODUCTVE PROPAGULES FOR PLANT PROPAGATION:
To preserves the essential genetic characteristics of medicinal flora Plant propagation

multiplies plants in bulk quantity through their vegetative propagules and other related material.
Seed is the essential best and source of multiplication of most of the plant species. Due to
environmental and physiological factors variations in germination are observed some are
germinate easily and some are very difficult to germinate under normal conditions. Seeds of
some plant species germinate very uniformly and some are very recalcitrant in germination.
Vegetative methods may employ use of different plant parts such as root, crown, rhizome,
runner, stolon, sucker, tuber, stem cutting. It may include different methods of propagation like
layering, grafting and budding 6.
Ocimum sanctum L. Family: Lamiaceae.This is well-known sacred plant of the Indians. It is

much branched erect herb, up to 75 cm high, hairy all over. Leaves opposite, about 5 cms long,
margins entire or toothed: hairy on upper as well as lower surface, dotted with minute glands,
aromatic. Flowers are small, purplish or reddish, in small compact clusters on slender spikes4.
Fruits are small; seeds yellowish or reddish. The leaves and seeds of the plant are medicinal. The
oil obtained from leaves has the property of destroying bacteria and insects.The juice of infusion
of leaves is useful in bronchitis, catarrh, digestive complaints. In many Ocimum sps the seed is
the main propagule of studied in diverse perfume and cosmetic industries as well as in
indigenous system of medicines. After broad casting the seed material in the prepared nursery
beds first and then transplanted in the field for propagation1. The seedlings (6-10 cm tall) are
transplanted in the field at 40-60cm spacing in multiple rows which requires at the seed rate is
125g/ha.
Bacopa monnieri (L.)Family;Scrophulariaceae This herb spreads on ground and its stems and
small leaves are succulent and fleshy. For revitalization of sense organs and improvement of
intelligence and memory Brahmi is used as an important drug in Indian traditional systems of
medicine. The Baccopa monnieri plant is propagated through vegetative stem cuttings by runners

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of 10 cm long or seeds. These cuttings were planted in the soil at appropriating spacing of 20
cm. This medicinal crop is water loving and requires the sufficient soil moistrure content
throughout for proliferation and good growth. The drug Brahmi consists of the whole plant 3. The
plant contains an alkaloid Bramhine, which is a cardiac tonic, provides strength and tone to the
heart.
Rauvolfia serpentine ex Kurz Family. Apocynaceae. Sarpagandha can be propagated

vegetatively by root cuttings, stem cuttings or root stems and by seeds. The plant is propagated
through the raising commercial plantation nurseries. The required seed rate is 5-6kg/ ha. To get
efficient germination seed material needs to be scarify and dipped in cone H2SO4 solution or
hot water treatment. It is desirable to use fresh seeds and to soak in 10% NaCl solution and
collect only sinking seeds. Two months old seedlings are planted at 45-60 X3 0cm in July-
August. Stem cuttings of 12-20cm also can be planted. It is an erect, evergreen perennial under
shrub whose medicinal uses has been known since long years. Its dried root is the medicinally
important part, which contains several alkaloids. The drugs derived from root is sedative and is
used to control high blood pressure and certain forms of insanity.
Gymnema sylvestre R.Br.Ex Schult-Asclepiadaceae.The plant is a large woody, much

branched climber with pubescent young parts. It is useful in inflammations, dyspepsia,
constipation, jaundice etc. The fresh leaves when chewed have the remarkable property of
paralyzing the sense of taste for sweet and bitter substances for some time. The plant can be
propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds are germinated in poly bags and 3-4 months
old seedlings can be planted. Tender stem can also be rooted. Older cuttings may be dipped in
IAA 500 ppm and planted. The plants are trailed on to poles or other supports.Leaves used in
diabetes, chewed to reduce glycosuria has a purg action. Leaf material stimulates insuling
secretion. Leaf extracts by ethyl acetate or by chloroform posses the property of destroying the
sense of taste for s wet substance temporarily 8.
Asoka Saraca Asoka (Roxb.)Family Caesalpinaceae: It is a small tree, leaves compound,

evergreen forming a dense crown; leaflets 7-25 cms slightly leathery. Flowers bright orange
colored due to colored bracts in small dense branches. The plant is propagated through seeds.
After soaking the seeds in water for about 12 hrs they are sown directly in seed beds. The seeds
germinate within 20 days. Then the seedlings are transplanted in poly bags. Two months old
seedlings are planted in the field at a spacing of 3fm.
Marmelos(L.)Family: Rutaceae:Bel is a medium sized deciduous tree bearing strong axillary

thorns. Leaves with 3-5 leaflets. It is considered as a sacred tree. Every part of the tree is
medicinally useful. Flowers greensish-white, sweet-scented, about 2.5 cm across, in small
bunches. Fruit 8-20 cm diameter, globose, green, finally grayish; rind woody, pulp-orange
colored, sweet, aromatice.The roots are an ingredient of ‘Dasamoola’. The plant is propagated
mainly through seeds. The seeds are extracted from ripe fruits and dried in sun. It is soaked in
water for 24hrs and sown in seedbeds. The seeds can be germinated within 15-20 days with good

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moisture content 2. One month old grown old seedlings are to be transplanted to polybags.
After 2-3 months the seedlings grown in polypots are planted in the main field at about spacing
6-8m.Neem tree Azadirachta indica A.Juss Family: Meliaceae Nim is a very well-known tree of
India.The tree has pinnate leaves, it’s divided into numerous smaller segments called leaflets,
each leaflet looking like an ordinary leaf. Flowers small, white, in short axillary bunches. Fruits
1.2-1.8 cm long, green or yellow, seed one in each fruit. Neem is a medium to large sized tree,
15-20m in height. It is a highly exploited medicinal plant of Indian origin. Every part of the tree
has been used for medicinal purposes. It is valuable as an antiseptic and used in the treatment of
small pox. The Drug consists of dried stem bark, leaves, and root bark. The bark is a bitter tonic,
astringent and antipyretic useful in skin diseases and boils a decoction of leaves is also taken
internally. The nim plant is seed propagated, soak the seeds in water for 6hrs and sow directly in
seedbeds at a spacing of 15X15cm. The seedlings grown 60-90 days in poly pots can be used for
planting material in the main field and venue plantations programmes.
Phyllanthus emblica (L.)Family; Euphorbiaceae.It is a small to meddle sized deciduous tree,

Leaves small 10-13 mm long 2-3mm broad very closely set in pinnate fashion, branch let’s look
rather feathery in general appearance. Male and female flower borne on same tree, flowers pale
green, usually small dense clusters below the leaves. Green or yellowish: seeds 6. Fruit1.5-2.5
cm diameter, fleshy, roundish, rather indistinctly marked into 6lobes, pale green or yellowish;
Emblica fruits are a good liver tonic: raw fruits are cooling and mild laxative. Fermented liquor
made from the fruits is considered useful in indigestion, anaemia, jaundice, and certain heart
complaints. It is very rich source of vitamin C .The fruit is useful in hemorrhage, leucoderma and
dysentery. The plant is usually propagated through seeds. Soft wood grafting is now extensively
practiced. Mature seeds extracted from its hard seed coat are soaked in water for 3-4 hrs and
sown directly in seedbeds. After one month, the seedlings are transplanted in polybags. One year
old seedlings are planted in the main field at a spacing of 8.5x8.5 m.
RESULTS AND DISSCUSSION:
In the case Rauvolfia serpentine (l.) Benth seeds have poor viability and poor germination
percentage, while propagation by root cuttingsis also a limiting factor, making micro propagation
as essential proposition in order to meet the demand for quite a huge amount of raw material by
pharmaceutical industry. Tissue culture plants have been regenerated from somatic proliferating
tissue, where morphogenic patterns of differentiation comprised somatic embryogenesis,
regeneration of shoot buds from toots differentiated somatic tissue. In another approach of
propagation, a much faster rate of multiplication of clonal plants has been obtained through
shoot-to-shoot proliferation employing nodal stem segments13.Micropropagation insures a good
regular supply of medicinal plants, using minimum space and time 10. There are several
advantages of in vitro micro propagation of medicinal plants for High rate of Multipliction,plant
material will be available all year round, identification and production of clones with desired

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characteristics, production of secondary plant products, conservation, cryopreservation and

improved genetically engineered plant species possibly be produced 9.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although there are number or reports and reviews published on micro propagation of
medicinal plants, they do not provide information related to factual status of the field where
reports on differentiation of shoots, embryos from callus or regeneration of shoot tips have been
included. In fact, most of pharmaceutically important medicinal plants have not been micro
propagated. In the present study micro propagation of seven important medicinal plants
investigated with regard to callus, morphogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, multiplication and
clonal propagation under field conditions.
Plants have been an important source of medicine for thousands of years. Medicines in
common use, such as aspirin and digitalis, are derived from plants and new transgenic varieties
could be created as efficient green production lines fro other pharmaceuticals as well as vaccines
and anticancer drugs 14. Tissue culture is useful for multiplying and conserving the species,
which are difficult to regenerate conventional methods and save them from extinction. Genetic
transformation may provide increased and efficient system for in vitro production of secondary
metabolites. The improved in vitro plant cell culture systems have potential for commercial
exploitation of secondary metabolites12. Tissue culture protocols have been developed for several
plants but there are many other species, which are over exploited in pharmaceutical industries
and need conservation. Using micro propagation technology, medicinally important plants
where there is a need to synthesize secondary metabolites possibly propagated in large scale for
planting elite and endangered sps.Advances in plant tissue culture will enable rapid
multiplication and sustainable use of medicinal plants for future genernarations 17.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am expressing my heartfelt gratuity to Prof. K.B. Rath, Principal, for encouragement and
inspiration and I am also extending my sincere thanks to Prof. B. K. Parida, Dean of Instruction
and Head, DESM for his cooperation and help. My sincere thanks are due to my senior
colleague Prof.M.K.Satpathy for his cooperation and inspiration for publication of research
paper.
REFERENCES
1. Ahuja A., Verma M and Grewal S . Clonal propagation of Ocimum species by tissue culture,
Indan J.Exp Biol, 20, 455-457, 1982
2. Bhaskaran P.,Jayabalan N., An efficient micro propagation system for Eclipta alba- a valuable
medicinal herb. In. vitro. Cell.Dev.Biol. 41: 532-539 (2005)

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3. Benjamin B.D., Roja P., Heble M.R., Chadha M.S., Multiple shoot cultures of Atropa
belladona: effect of physicochemical factors on growth and alkaloid formation. J. Plant. Nutr.
129: 129-35. (1987)
4. Brich R.G., Plant transformation: Problems and strategies for practical application, Ann. Rev
Plant. Physiol., 48: 297-326 (1997).
5. Choudhary N., Sekhon B.S An overview of advances in the standardization of herbal drugs
.J.Pham.Edu and Res 2, 55-70 (2011)
6. Chaturvedi H.C., Propagation of Discorea floribunda from in vitro culture of single-node

stems segments. Curr Sci, 41 839-844, 1975
7. Cohers L.A, Anderson P.G., Plant Tissue Culture and its Agricultural Applications. London:
Butter worths, (1986)
8.Das P., Palai S.K., Patra A., Samantaray Y.S., Rout G.R., In-vitro Somatic Embryogenesis in
Typhonium Trilobatum Shoot., Pl. Gr. Reg. 27: 95-199 (1999)
9. Faria R.T, Illg R.D., Micropropagation of Zingiber spectabile Griff. Sci Horti. 62: 135-7.
(1995)
10. Ghosh B.E., Sen S., Micropropagation of Asparagus coperi as affected by growth regulators.
Bio. Plant. 36: 57-34 (1994).
11.Murashige. T., The impact of plant tissue culture on agriculture. In: Thorpe TA (ed).
Frontiers of Plant Tissue Culture, University Offset Printing Service, pp.15-25(1978).
12. Mukherjee A., Biodiversity studies: a taxonomic contemplation. In Diversity and

conservation of plants and Traditional knowledge (Ed:S.Panda &C.Gosh) bishen Singh
Mahendra pal Singh, Deharadun. pp.167-182 (2012)
13. Mukherjee P.K., Nema N.K., Maity N.,Sarkar B.,Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of
Cucumber, Fitoterapia 84, 227-236 (2013)
14. Mukherjee,Pulok K.Venkatesh ,P and Ponnusankar, S “ Ethno pharmacology and integrative

medicine-Let the history tell the future J.Ay. and Inte. Med 1(2) 100-109, (2010)
15. Rout ray, G.R., Samantaray S and Das., In vitro manipulation and propagation of medicinal
plants Biotechnology advances 18,91-120 (2000)
16.Roberts M.F., Medicinal products through plant biotechnology. In: Robins R.J, Rhodes
M.J.C. (eds). Manipulating Secondary Metabolism in Culture. Cambridge: University Press, pp
201-216 (1988)

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17.Skirvin R.M., Chu M.C., Young H.J., Rose, In: Ammirato PV, Evans DR, Sharp WR, Bajaj
YPS (eds). Handbook of Plant Cell Cultures, vol.5, New York: MacMillan, pp 716-43(1990).
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GUMS & RESINS USED IN AYURVEDA.
Vaidya Pammi Satyanarayana Sastry

Founder & Managing Trustee, Dr.Achanta Lakshmipathi Ayurveda Libray Trust
Geeta Apartments, New Ayodhyanagar,
VIJAYAWADA- 520003
Ayurveda categorized all the herbal plants according to their parts of plants
having maximum therapeutic value. viz. having medicinal value in roots, barks,
heartwoods, leaves, seeds, flowers, Gums etc Hence, gums are identified as having
medicinal value in Vedic period itself.
Gums are named as Niryasa i.e. that which comes out of the tree, the exudation
Be it a Gum or a resin as per the modern terminology. Hence, the Gums in Ayurveda can
be Gums or resins or oleo resins. These gums are used either as single drugs or along
with other drugs. Few of those Gums with their medicinal usages are given under. These
are only representative, but not exhaustive.
1. Bombax ceiba Linn.

This is called Erra burugu in Telugu and Salmali in Sanscrit. All the parts of this tree, root, stem
bark, leaves, flowers, fruit, gum, thorns too have medicinal value. Gum is abundantly used in
Ayurveda. It is astringent, cooling, stimulant, aphrodisiac, tonic, styptic and demulcent. Useful
in dysentery, haemoptysis of pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, menorrhagia, burning sensation,
stangury, haemorrhoids, blood impurities, and vitiated conditions of Pitta dosha
The Gum powder is a very popular product of all Pharmacies of Ayurveda. This cures
gynic troubles of ladies.
The gum powder is mixed with honey and administered to cure dysentery.
Make a hole of sufficient size in the trunk of this tree and insert Dried fruits of
Terminalia chebula and seal the hole. Collect the fruits after a month. These fruits are

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powdered and taken every day morning. Dose is powder of one fruit. If continued, the
symptoms of old age are delayed.
The thorn is ground on whet stone with little water and the paste is applied on the face
to get rid of the black patches.
Make cuts on the roots of the tree and collect the exudation and dry. Powder it and keep.
Take alone or with the powder of the Gingely seeds along with honey, cow’s ghee and
cow’s milk daily. This is a very good asphrodisiac.
2. Styrax benzoin officinalis.

This is called Sambrani in Telugu and is known since centuries as good grankincense. This is
used for fumigation as an antibacterial and anti viral.
Wounds are fumigated with this gum to ward off bacterial infection and early healing.
Sambrani, Rice & Black pepper are ground to paste and cooked. This paste is applied on
the forehead and temples to get rid of effects of Cold and headaches.
The gum powder is administered with Cow’s Milk to cure consumption (TB), Urinary
disorders, Wounds, Bacterial infections, Dysentery and Anemia.
The powder is stuffed in dry Date Fruit, tied with a thread, cooked in Cow’s milk till it
becomes tender, dry to make it moisture free> This is kept soaked in honey. One fruit is
administered every day twice, morning and evening to get rid of Diabetis insipidus and
Dabetic mellitus.
About 15 gms. Of the gum powder is mixed with curds and administered to ally
dysentery.
The oil of the gum or gum powder processed with Gingely oil is applied in skin
affections and eruptions.
The gum powder with camphor when ground becomes thick plaster. This is used as
plaster to cure lumps due to STDs.(Sexually transmitted diseases).
200 mg. of the gum powder is administered in bronchitis and coughs.
3. Commiphora wightii (Arn.)Bhand.

This is called Mahisakshi Guggulu in Telugu. Drug of choice for all vata disorders. There are
more than160 formulations for different ailments of Vata. Maha Yoga Raja Guggulu, a very
popular medicine is a household name. But, the pity is that, this plant grows in a particular small
area in Asia only. The yield of Gum is not sufficient for the Ayurvedic pharmaceutical industry

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in the country. With the result,adulterated with gum of Boswellia serrata and other gum
ykielding plants. The other species of Commiphora which yield Guggulu are 0
C.Roxburghii(Arn.)Enl. & C. opobalsamum(Linn.)Engl.
Guggulu is a drug of choice for many ailments viz. all types of Vata Vyadhis, blood
related ailments, wounds, heart ailments, anemia, liver disorders, vaginal disorders, digestive
disorders etc. etc. These are very few to mention. Apart from successful usage since centuries,
trials done proved that the guggulu preparation with dry ginger is very efficacious in
Rheumatioid arthritis, obesity, and hyperchlesteraemia.
The plant is also becoming exinct. Efforts are to be made to save and coultivate in
abundance. This plant is found in Bellary and Mysore. But, it is said, do not yield gum due to
climatic conditions.
4. Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.

This gum is called Hirabol in Hindi & Balintabolu in Telugu. This is very much sought after in
cases of Gynaecological ailments.
The gum powder is ground with Lemon juice and applied on pains due to beatings and
blows.
Diluted in alchohol and applied on fouling wounds for immediate relief.
When administered internally, gives immediate heat to the body and the pulse rate
increases.
5. Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex. Colebr.

This is called Sala guggulu or Sallaki or Gandha feroja. Excludes as colourless semi fluid and
solidifies as whitish to golden yellow. Sometimes it is reddish brown, greenish yellow or dull
yellow to orange in colour.
The Oleo-resin is a very good substitute for Gum of Commiphora weitii and an
adulterant too. It is called Sallaki or Salai guggulu.
The gum is anti arthritic, anti inflammatory, bitter astringent, anti pyretic, expectorant
and is indicated in many more ailments like of commiphora weitii guggulu.
6. Butea monosperma (Lam.)Kuntze.

The gum of Butea monosperma is called gum kino or Bengal kino. This has many uses in
Ayurveda like Mahisakshi guggulu and Sambrani. It is astringent, constipating, haemostatic,
apshrodisiac, depurative and tonic. Useful in diarrhea, lhaemorrhoids, haemoptysis,

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haematemesis, ldiabetes, leprosy, skin diseases, ulcer, debility, hyperacidity, dyspepsia and
fever.
This gum is given orally after delivery as Tonic
10-20 gms. Of gum is given for once week from the first day of menstruation. This
checks pregnancy for one year.
Gum is given orally for relieving pain in delivery and in lumbago.
One gram of this gum and one gram of root powder of Bombax ceiba mixed with sugar
is administered orally once daily for 5 days in kidney stones.
7. Cochlospermum gossypium DC.

This is called Katira gond. Or Gum karaya or Gum Tragacantha.
The gum is thrmogenic and hence consumed in summer. Sedative. Useful in cough, diarrhea,
dysentery< and Pharangitis.
8. Acasia nilotic (Linn.)

This is called Tumm jiguru in Telugu.
Six grams of babool gum and six grams of Cumin seeds are well soaked in 100 ml. of
water over night and boiled in the morning, sand Strained. This decoction is
administered in jaundice.
Gum is kept in the mouth in asthma and juice is swallowed.
Gum is fried in ghee is useful as nutritive tonic and apshrodisiac.
The gum is administered in the form lof mucilage in diarrhea and dysentery and also in
diabeties mellitus.
The powedered gum with quinine is given in fevers complicated with diarrhea
anddysentery.
The powdered gum arrests haemorrhages.
The gum is mixed with white of the egg is applied in burns and scalds (Blisters).
Acacia powder, also known as Gum Arabic is a soluble dietary fiber that is made from
the gum of the Acacia tree, which grows in tropical and sub tropical climates. Used in
ancient Egypt as part of the mummification process. The cultivation and harvesting of
acaci powder hasnot changed very much in thousands of years. In modern times, it is
primarily used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
9. Azadircta indica A.juss.

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This is called Vepa jiguru in Telugu.

The decoction of powder of dried gooseberry fruits and this gum mixed with the
Bhasma of Karpoora Shilajit in doses of 200 mg. is given in albuminuria.
The gum is applied on the affected part in dental pain.
The gum is very useful in bloody dysentery and diabetes insipidus.
The gum is a one of the ingredients of Yogeswara Prabhavati guti etc.
10. Mangifera indica Linn.

This mamidi jiguru is ground with castor oil and applied on the cracks of the foot/palms
and wamed with charcoal fire.
The gum is ground well with lemon juice or gingely oil and applied on the skin ailments
like irritation, boils etc.
11. Moringa oleifera Lamk.

This is called munaga jiguru in Telugu. Is ground with oil or hkeated is applied on
blows, pains, paralysis, woulds etc. The gum is diuretic, astringent and abortifacient and
is used against asthma.
The moring tree gum is used in treating various ailments like asthma,
dysentery, fevers, intestinal cancer and headaches too. Apart from medicinal purposes,
the Moringa gum is also used in various other industrial applications.
12. Gardenia recinifera

This is called Karinguva in Telugu and Dikamali in Hindi etc.
The gum and the fruits are used in fevers in Gujarat.
The gum is fumigated to wardoff bacteria.
Conclusion.
There many more gums used in Ayurveda. They are Anogenossus acuminate.Vateria indica
Linn. Cedrus deodara, . Balanites aegyptica, Aquilaria agallocha, Ferula asfoetida, Alangium
salivifolium, Shorea robusta, Baringtonia acutangula, Sapindus emarginatus, Ferula
galbanifluea boiss. Acacia catechu, Cassia ariculata, Cordia dichotoma, Syzygium cumini,
Mimusops elengi, Calophyllum inophyllum, Ficus benghalensis, etc..
There are few more gums used in Unani medicine like Dragons blood (resin from Dracaena
cinnabari, Gum Euphorbia resinifere birg, grown in Morraco, Kahruba – fossil resin of Pinus

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succifera, Rumi mastagi- Pistacia lantisus, Scamonia or Sakmunia from Convulus

scammonia (This is widely used as laxative.)
Tail piece;
Occassionally, a gum is found on the Coconuts. This is certainly not from the fruit inside
but from the fibre. What is this ?

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Tribal Medicine in Dandakaranya

Dr. Koppula Hemadri
Ethno-botany is said to be the study of plants used by the aborigines (J.W. Harshberger,
1895). Ethno-medicine or Tribal-medicine is the pharmaceutical knowledge acquired by the
aborigines based on Medico-Biological experiences- accidental or otherwise, and carried forward
from generation to generation. It is true that today, the tribes all over India, own a mine of
knowledge in herbs and herbal treatment. This knowledge, I believe, is worth several Noble
Prizes! It is high time that tribal medicine is recognized by the authorities concerned, as a system
of medicine, namely ‘Tribal System of Medicine’.
Why I got attracted towards Tribal Medicine?
In 1963, when I joined Botanical Survey of India, I had no idea of medicinal herbs. My
duty at BSI was to explore the Flora and the Vegetation of Western Ghats. There, I concentrated
in identification of various botanicals based on International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.
(You know? I discovered 24 new plant species and one new genus!). I also got interest in the
therapeutics of locally available herbs. Later, in 1971, I was offered a Central Government post
to head the Medico-Botanical Survey Unit created by the ‘Central Council for Research in Indian
Medicine & Homoeopathy’, in the State of Andhra Pradesh. This position gave me ample
opportunities to closely observe the Socio-Religious Customs of the Tribes of Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh and parts of Orissa State bordering Andhra Pradesh, in addition to Medicinal Flora
of these regions.
Enter the Tribal Hamlet... and win the hearts!
Tribal people are generally shy and hence, avoid meeting and talking to strangers, leave
alone, sharing their feelings and experiences! All the more, they even dare not come in front of a
new comer, until and unless the Head of the hamlet permits to do so! Hence, I have made it a
point to approach the ‘Sirpanch’ or ‘Pargania Mazhi’ (Head of the village) first with the co-

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ordination of the Forest officials of the area concerned. As a next step, I used to have a social
gathering with the people and try to record the clan’s Socio-Religious Customs which they
followed during their entire life period, i.e., from ‘Birth to Death’. This kind of enquiry helped
me indirectly to collect Medico- and other Ethno-Botanical data. My first question put to the
gathering normally used to be ‘Would you administer any medicine to the new-born baby and
the mother immediately after the delivery?’ This question used to give me ample opportunity to
get more and more data on medicinal plants and their uses for healthy and happy living.
For instance: In Konda Reddy tribe, as soon as the child is born, the mother is given
water extract of lime tree (Citrus aurantifolia) bark, to protect her from puerperal diseases. No
food of any kind is allowed on that day. The next 3 days, the mother is given cooked ‘Jonna’
(Sorghum vulgare: Pearl millets: Jowar) along with a powder made of ‘Mirchi’ (Dry chillies:
Capsicum annuum) and salt, once a day. Thereafter, till umbilical cord is dropped, the mother is
also allowed to eat cooked rice (Oryza sativa) together with a powdered preparation made of
‘Kandi pappu’ (Red gram: Cajanus cajan), Vellulli (Garlic: Allium sativum), and dried chillies.
In Koya tribe, on the day of delivery, the mother is given hot water bath and, internally a
potion known as ’Talli Mandu’ (Mother-Care Medicine) made of stem barks of ‘Torri
Yelaga’(Hesperethusa crenulata) and ‘Nemali Chettu’(Holoptelea integrifolia). No food is given
to the mother on that day. In some places, the mother is given a tumbler full of ‘Mohul’ liquor
distilled from corollas of Madhuca latifolia.
In Kutiya Rana, on the day of delivery, the mother is made to bathe in cold water after
smearing a paste made of ‘Holdi’( turmeric: Curcuma longa) powder in ‘Olsi’(Linseed: Linum
usitatissimum) oil all over the body. A few drops of ‘Til’ (Sesamum indicum) oil are also put in
to the ears. The child is bathed in warm water.
In Gond tribe, on the day of delivery, the mother is given one dose of decoction made of
‘Kulthi’ (Horse - gram: seed of Dolichos biflorus). To improve milk secretion, she is given one
or two doses of a paste prepared out of ’Dudmangra’ (Holostemma adakodien) leaf or root.

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In case of Raj-Gonds, on the second day, the mother is fed with a sweet preparation made
of ‘Til’ (Gingelly: Sesamum indicum) seed, jaggery and ghee. The next day, one dose of
decoction made of soft, apical shoot of Phoenix acaulis, known as ‘Chhind kanda’, together
with Kulthi beej (seed of Horse gram: Dolichos biflorus) and ‘Rasna jadi’ (Root of
Blepharispermum subsessile) is given.
The ‘Muria’ mother, on the 4th day, is fed with 15-20g of a paste made of equal
quantities of gingelly seed, Rasna jadi, Bhallataka beej (Nut of Semecarpus anacardium),
Chhind kanda, Lasuna (Cloves of garlic: Allium sativum) and jaggery, just before normal meal.
The ‘Bhatra’ mother, on the 3rd day, is given internally, a potion made of ‘Chhind
kanda’, ‘Rasna jadi’, ‘Bhallataka jadi’ (Root of Semecarpus anacardium), ‘Sargi jadi’ (root of
Shorea robusta) and ‘Patala kumda’ (Tuberous root of Pueraria tuberosa), twice a day, in
addition to normal meals.
So to say, that the data collection on the socio-religious customs of the tribes had not only
thrown light on Ethno-Medicine, but also made me closer to their hearts, which helped me
gather plenty of first-hand information on Tribal Medicine. Field work with the Tribal ‘Vejjus’
(Doctors) further enriched my knowledge in Ethno-Medico-Botany.
The Net Result!
I am convinced that the tribal people possess a treasure trove of Medicinal Herbs. They
know how to use local herbs for a number of diseases. They have ‘Chekka Mandu’- a potion
prepared with barks and roots to protect the Child and Mother; ‘Thalli Mandu’ (Mother’s
Medicine) to save the mother from all ailments connected with the child-birth. They have herbs
to improve appetite, increase breast-milk, kill the intestinal worms; heal injuries, broken bones
and save the kids from dehydration. They have recipes to control fevers, leucorrhoea,
menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, dysentery; tonics and aphrodisiacs for enjoying life and sex. Their
crude pills and decoctions relieve body ache, joint pains; heal skin diseases, set right anaemia
and dropsy; control diabetes, asthma; cure jaundice, piles, paralysis and epilepsy. Tribal doctors’

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knowledge in anti-fertility, abortion and fertility-promoting herbs is note worthy. They use
herbal smokes to ward-off viral-fevers and fungal infections. They are experts in using immune-
modulators.
Now, I shall share a few personal experiences with Tribal Medicine:
Abscessdisappeared!
A Tribal Vejju (Medicine Man) claimed that one herb called ‘Nelamarri’, botanically
known as Elytraria acaulis, heals abscess growth on the breast (Breast Cancer?). Surprisingly,
when the herb was sent to the American Cancer Research Centre for ‘screening’, it is found to
possess ‘Anti-Carcinogenic’ activity, confirming the claim of Tribal Doctor! A few years later, I
have had the opportunity to test this herb, but on a different contest. A hard and round abscess
appeared on my left cheek in the year 1999 and increased in size- year after year. I allowed it
grow for 3 years. Then in the month of February, 2002, I tried leaf of Elytraria hoping thus:
‘When the herb is anti-carcinogenic in action, why can’t it cure a simple abscess like this?’ The
first day, I collected a fresh leaf, cut it into six pieces; rubbed one piece on the abscess and
waited for one hour for next application. Thus, I gave six external applications per day. On the
7th day, the abscess burst open, throwing white, granular pus out, in one go! By the 9th day, the
abscess healed-up completely. Even its scar disappeared!
Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis Cured!
When a young lady of 30 years requested me to relieve her off her suffering from acute
rheumatoid arthritis, the first thing that struck to my mind was the recipes of various tribal
Vejjus claimed to cure joint pains, body pains, swellings etc. So, I selected four plants, namely,
‘Velturu Chettu’ (Dichrostachys cinerea), ‘Andugu Chettu’ (Boswellia serrata), ‘Atuka
Maamidi’ (Boerhaavia diffusa), ‘Nalla Uppi’ (Capparis sepiaria)- supposed to cure such
conditions as the above lady suffering from, and prepared an extract, filled in 250mg capsules
for internal use- 2 per day. On the 4th day, the Lady’s husband phoned me saying that
“Swellings all over the body vanished. Pain, however, is still lingering. Would you please

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suggest the next step to be followed?” Now I thought of ‘Nemali Chettu’, botanically known as
Holoptelea integrifolia. Long ago, a Koya Vejju of famous Papi Hills beside the River
Godavari, once revealed a secret to me thus: “Sir, we give juice extracted from leaf of ‘Nemali
Chettu’ after heating it on gentle fire, to subside ‘labour pains’ and also to protect the mother
from all sorts of post-natal ailments”. So, I prepared the above leaf-extract, filled it in capsules
and gave the patient twice a day internally. Alas! The pains also stopped within 3 days! Hats-off
to Tribal Medicine! The ‘story’ has not yet ended. After a month or so, one fine morning, the
husband phoned me and requested if he can visit my house. I said ‘Yes’. By 10 a.m. sharp, six
people entered my room, settled in a sofa and chairs, and started chit-chatting. I asked the
husband how the patient is. He pointed his finger at the lady sitting in the chair very near to me
and said ‘This is my wife’. Believe me! She is simply normal like any other healthy person!
There is no comparison between the lady I had seen two months ago, with puffed body, swollen
at every joint, unable to move even an inch, expressing unbearable pain if any part of the body is
touched... and the one now sitting by my side, after climbing-up stair case covering more than 60
steps by foot, like any other normal individual!
So, what I want to convey is, how miraculous the tribal recipe worked on Acute
Rheumatoid Arthritis. The recipe is simple, but the result is mind blowing!
I shall conclude my experiences with one more episode...
Rauvolfia Root in Diabetes!
In 1991, the then Managing Director of Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC),

Government of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. T. Vijay Kumar, IAS arranged a visit to Sankhavaram- a
forest village, to interrogate the Tribal Medicine Men and record first hand information on the
Medicinal Herbs and their therapeutic uses. The Vejjus (Doctors) gathered there showed me a
variety of botanicals and revealed their medicinal uses, mode of preparation of the recipe & dose.
Of the recipes thus recorded, I found the one given by Ravula Venkatrao of Dara Mallapuram – a
tribal hamlet adjoining Sankhavaram village, to be quite interesting. His recipe is for Diabetes
Mellitus. In general, most of the herbal medicine men use single or a combination of several

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herbs such as, roots of Aegle marmelos (Maaredu Veru), Gymnema sylvestre (Podapatri Veru),
Strychnos potatorum (Indupa Chettu Veru), seed of Syzygium cumini (Alam Neredu Pikka) and
bark of Acacia chundra (Chandra Patta). However, our present Vejju insisted on adding one
more herb, namely, the root of Rauvolfia serpentina (Pataalagarudi Veru) in addition to the ones
mentioned above. I was wondering what would be the role of Rauvolfia in curing Diabetes. I
shared this first hand information with Press Reporters, and it came as wonder news in several
daily news papers the next day.
In 1994, I happened to go through a news item in Times of India (5th February, Bombay
edition), with a caption “DRUG TO TREAT KIDNEY CLEARED”. The report is as follows.
Washington: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a common blood pressure
medicine to be used to slow the massive kidney damage common among diabetics, reports AP.
Captopril is the first drug approved to treat the condition known as diabetic nephropathy, that
afflicts hundreds of thousands of type 1 insulin-dependent diabetics, the FDA said on Thursday.
Until now, the only treatments were dialysis or a kidney transplant. “Captopril provides another
tool- along with intensive blood-sugar control- to prevent or delay complications of diabetes”,
Dr. Phillip Gorden of the National Institute of Diabetes and digestive and Kidney diseases said
on Thursday. The drug sold under the name Capotenin, is Bristol-Myers-Squibb’s best-selling
product line, generating about $1.6 billion in sales. It is already used to treat high blood pressure,
congestive heart failure and some types of heart attack.
After going through this news item, one would appreciate the wisdom of ‘Vejju’
(Medicine- man) of a remote forest hamlet, who suggested anti-blood pressure drug along with
other anti-glycemic herbs for diabetics! Once again ‘Hats off to Tribal Medicine!’
Expert opinion
Three decades ago, a group of Doctors of Modern Medicine visited interior forest-
villages of West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa states, gathered first hand information on Tribal
Medicine and acclaimed it to be very satisfactory. According to these researchers, 76% of cases

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pertaining to viral and other fevers of unknown reason and 63% of Breathing and Gastro-enteric
cases; about 45% of Joint Pain cases and 63% of Dermatitis cases are cured with Tribal herbal
recipes. In case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the result is 70% - 80%, the studies revealed. ‘Alas!
This is far better than the ones treated by Modern Medicine’- the team members concluded!
Unhappy Tribal Vejjus
The Tribal ‘Doctors’ are not happy with the way the researchers are robbing hereditary
therapeutic knowledge in the guise of Medical Research. “Scientists of various Institutes within
and outside the country visit us now and then, utilize our services in conducting field work,
interact with us to collect data on our secret recipes for various disease ailments in detail and
disappear there after! Has anyone cared to honour us as co-workers and offer share in patenting
and other benefits thus obtained?” they aver. Yes! In principle I agree with them. However, I
suggest them not to blame others for the present state of affairs. As a first step, they should
convince/demand the Governments concerned to establish institutes for Tribal Medicine and
Herbal Research, to conduct studies as per the W.H.O. established norms and make the System a
legitimate one. No doubt that the tribes’ knowledge in the therapeutics of local floras is a Gold
Mine! As is evident from sporadic, preliminary studies, research on diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis, malaria and breast cancer, would reap rich dividends in the form of newer ‘Patented
Remedies’ in a short period.
Last but not the least- medicinal plants are part and parcel of the Flora and Vegetation. At
present the Forest Department has been utilizing the services of local tribes in various
programmes pertaining to the protection of Biological Diversity. In this connection, I wish that
the Bio-diversity Board, the Health and other Ministries concerned encourage Tribal Medicine in
a big way, so that the tribes themselves and the beneficiaries of Tribal Medicine too, come
forward to protect useful and rare Medicinal Plants found in and around their habitats.
=========================================

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ETHNOBOTANICAL REMEDIES OF TRIBAL PEOPLE IN THE MAHA-MUTHARAM

MANDAL OF KARIMNAGAR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA
E. NARASIMHA MURTHY, N. VENUMADHAV & M. ARJUN1
Department of Botany, Satavahana University, Karimnagar-505 001
1
Department of Botany, Telangana University, Dichpally0593322
E-mail: murthyen@yahoo.co.in; nalimela0@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Several field trips were conducted during 2011-2013 to document the botanical
knowledge of the ethnic tribes inhabiting in the Maha-Muttaram mandal. Here we reported more
than 20 ethno-medicinal plants from the tribal people inhabiting the mandal. They are remedies
for various ailments. These ethno-medicinal plant specimens are preserved in the Satavahana
University Herbarium, Karimnagar.
INTRODUCTION:
In a developing country like India, where major portion of its population is

residing in rural and tribal areas and which have their own culture specific medical heritage, the
health policy makers and health care planners are not left the tribal areas and the rural areas for
many health care programs even met with stiff resistance. While local people usually welcome
the provision of hospitals and public health programs, the shift to using biomedicine often means
that healing traditions are eroded and traditional knowledge lost in the process. This paves great
flaw to their native medicine system. Before the existence of ethno-medicine from the tribal
community, it is necessary to document and understand this culture-specific medical heritage.
(K.S. Brumot & T.S. Naidu, 2007).Among the scheduled tribes of Andhra Pradesh, Erukalas,
Gonds,Koyas and Lambada are the major communities in the Karimnagar district. Of several
natural forest ecosystems in the district Ramagiri and Mahadevpur are known for their medicinal
flora. Kapoor & Kapoor (1980) were the first to pay attention publish the medicinal plant wealth
of Karimnagar district. Later, Hemadri (1990) reported 436medicinal plants of the district( just
mere names and vernaculars) . Ravishankar (1990) studied the ethnobotany of Karimnagar

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district, along with the adjacent Adilabad district. An estimation of local dependency on forest
was made by Reddy V.M. (1996) and Rao et al (1998). Rao etal (1998) reported 30-33 plants
used in ethno-medicine by the tribals of Mahadevapur. There are ethnobotanical studies with
emphasis on ethnoveterinary medicine in the neighbouring district of Warangal (Reddy et al
1992) and Nalgonda (Reddy & Raju 2000). C.S. Reddy et al (2001) made an attempt to study the
ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by the Gonds of Karimangar district. Naqvi (2001)
recorded not more than 150 ethno medicinal plants from the Karimnagar district in his Ph.D.
thesis.
STUDY AREA:
The district lies on the northern part of Andhra Pradesh approximately between
the latitudes 18 deg and 19 deg and longitudes 78 deg. 30 mn and 80 deg 31 min. The district is
bounded on the north by Adilabad district, on the west by Medak District,on the North West by
Nizamabad on the South by Warangal District and on the East by Godavari River. The forest in
the district are grouped into two divisions viz. Karimnagar East Division and Karimnagar West
Division. The east division consists of four ranges viz. Azamnagar, Bhupalapalle, Chintakani and
Mahadevpur while the west forest contains five ranges viz Jagitial, Raikal, Koidmial,Manthani
and Sircilla. The forest of this district fall under Tropical dry deciduous and Tropical thorn forest
types consisting of mixed teak and miscellaneous type of corporation. The dominant Scheduled
Tribes Communities are Koya (Dorasattam) and Gond. The Scheduled Tribe Population is
concentrated in the Revenue mandals of Maha-mutharam, Mahadevpur, Malharrao,
Ellareddypet,Husnabad, Kataram and Sarangapur At Mahadevpur forest range Nayakpod
(Padmanayaka), Koya (Dorasattamu) are found among Local tribes with different habits, cultures
and socio economic backgrounds. Of these Koyas are mainly settled cultivators, but depend
largely upon the near by forests for non-timber products. Nayakapods are primarily agriculturists
and shifting cultivaters. They also collect forest produce. Lambadas a gypsy non-local tribe are
largely workers, at places, settled agriculturists.

Ethnobotanical survey included repeated interviews with aged ethnic people, local herbal
healers, shepherds, tribal headmen, owners of cattle herds, etc., in different seasons for two

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consecutive years. Several field trips were conducted between the years 2004 to 2006 in the
sanctuary area to record the utilization of the plant wealth used by the local tribal communities.
The data were collected through questionnaires, discussions among the tribal people in their local
language. The information on useful plant species, parts used, local names and mode of
utilization was collected. The data collected were further verified and cross-checked in different
villages with different tribal sub communities. Plants used in their daily needs were also
collected. The plant specimens were pressed and deposited in the Herbarium of Botany
Department (KUH), Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India. The sorted
information on ethnobotanical knowledge of tribal inhabitants is enumerated under
alphabetically by botanical names of plants, name of the family is given in parenthesis and their
local names, habit, distribution, and phenology are given.
ENUMERATION
Ceriscoides turgida (Roxb.)Tirvengadam (Rubiaceae)

Vern.: Tella velaga kaya
An armed deciduous tree.
Occasional in dry deciduous forests
Fl.: & Fr.: Mar.-Jul.
Fruits edible, fruits are cooked and taken in Anaemia and constipation
Phyllanthus reticulatus Poiret in Lam. (Phyllanthaceae)

Vern.: Pulicheru
Large shrub.
Common in hedges and at the foot hills of forests.
Fl.&Fr.: July-March
Roots of Phyllanthus reticulatus and bark of Aegle marmelos (Maredu), grinded with fruits of
Feronia elephantum (Velaga kaya) in water and given in Diarrhoea.
Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae)

Vern.: Chitramoolamu

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Annual erect herb.

Occasional in waste lands, hedges and forests.
Fl.&Fr.: Sept.-Dec.
Roots are grinded with water and paste is applied on wounds and warts
Buchanania axillaris (Desr.)Ramam (Anacardiaceae)

Vern.: Pedda morli
Medium sized tree.
Occasional in hilly forest areas in all districts.
Fl.&Fr.: June-Dec.
Gum swallowed in the form of tablets in chest pain and body pains
Shcleichera oleosa (Lour.)Okem. (Sapindaceae)

Vern.: Pusuku
Fl.& Fr.: Jan.-Apr.
Stem bark is grinded with milk, and paste is applied on wounds
Litsea glutinosa (Lour.)C.B. Robinson (Lauraceae)

Vern.: Nara mamidi
Moderate sized evergreen, very variable tree.
Common in hill forests.
Fl.&Fr.: June-April.
Crushed stem bark is bandaged on broken limbs
Cassia occidantalis L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Vern.: Namili vittulu
Erect, glabrous undershrubs.
Common in all plains.
Fl.& Fr.: throughout the year

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Seeds are grinded and paste is applied in conjunctivitis
Urginea indica (Roxb.) Kunth. (Lilliaceae)

Vern.: Nall ulligadda
Bulbous herb.
Occasional in plains and on hills.
Bulbs are crushed and taken in fevers
Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.)Merr. (Anacardiaceae)

Vern.: Dumpidi
Fl.&Fr.: Mar.-May.
Stem bark is grinded, paste is applied on wounds and used as galactagogue
Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae)

Vern.: Nalleru
Rambling shrubs.
Common in scrub jungles, wastelands.
Fl.& Fr.: June-Dec.
Whole plant is crushed and used as bandaged on wounds
Azima tetracantha Lam. (Salvadoraceae)

Vern.: Uppu-chekka
Straggling, armed, bushy shrub.
In hedges, thorny scrub jungles.
Fl.&Fr.:
Root bark is grinded, with the stem bark of Dichrostachys cineraria used, and fermented and
take one glass of juice in early morning with empty stomach in Rheumatism.

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Madhuca indica J. Gmelin (Sapotaceae)

Vern.: Ippa chettu
Abundant in forests, occasional on hills and in villages.
Fl.&Fr.: March-Sept.
Stem bark crushed with Cow urine and taken in Arthritis.
Celastrus panicualtus Willd. (Celastraceae)

Vern.: Maneti teega
Climbing shrub.
Common in dry forests.
Fl.&Fr.: Apr.-Dec.
Seed oil is applied in Knee-pains and Paralysis
Pongamia pinnata (L.)Pierre (Fabaceae)

Vern.: Kanuga
Medium sized, evergreen tree.
Common along river banks, often planted.
Fl.&Fr.: Feb.-Oct.
Seed paste is applied in Scabies
Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae)

Vern.: Guruvinda
Stragglers.
In hedges and among bushes in open lands.
Fl.&Fr.: July-Dec.
Seed paste is applied on swellings to heal.
Phyllanthus emblica L. (Euphorbiaceae)

Vern.: Usiri
Medium sized tree.

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Common in dry deciduous forests/cultivated.

Fl.&Fr.: Oct.-Dec.
Fruit juice is mixed with Garlic juice is dropped in dental problems.
Calycopteris floribunda (Roxb.)Poiret in Lam. (Combretaceae)

Vern.: Teega dhari, Bonth teega
Scandent climbing shrub.
Fl.&Fr.: Feb.-May.
Root bark is grinded with roots of Ellipta prostrate L. , used in Snake bite
Cassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Vern.: Rela
Small deciduous tree.
Fl.&Fr.: Mar.-Dec.
Stem bark paste is applied on Scorpion bite
Cassia tora L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Vern.: Tagirisa
Annual herbs.
Common in all plains, fallow lands, and in forest undergrowth.
Fl.& Fr.: Sept.-Dec.
Leaves are cooked and eaten in Anaemia
Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.)A.Juss. (Meliaceae)

Vern.: Somida
Lofty glabrous tree.

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Common in the dry forests of most districts.

Fl.&Fr.: Apr.-Oct.
Bark crushed with water to control dysentery and Cough
There are 20 medicinal plants, including the six ethnoveterinary species, used by the tribal
people in the revenue mandal. They are mainly used in the chest pain, Anaemia, Snakebite,
Scorpion bite, Conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, indigestion, and rheumatism etc. Of the species, 10 are
trees, 4 shrubs, 4 climbers, and 2 herbs. Of the list, usually there one species each of a family but
for Caesalpiniaceae, which has three while Euphorbiaceae, Papilionaceae, Anacardiaceae
represent with two species each. Of the plant parts used, stem bark is used in most of the
preparations, followed by root, leaf , fruits, seeds and bulbs. Root paste of Plumbago zeylanica is
used to relieve pains. Leaf juice of Bauhinia racemosa is dropped in Conjunctivitis. Gum of
Buchanania lanzan is used for chest pain. Seed oil of Celastrus paniculatus is applied in
Rheumatism. Root paste of Calycopteris floribunda is useful in snake bite. Crushed bark of
Cassia fistula is applied on scorpion bite. Most of the medicinal plants are used singly. This data
provide basic source for further studies aimed at conservation, cultivation, improvement of
traditional medicine and economic welfare of rural and tribal population of the region
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We gratefully acknowledge Prof. V.S. Raju, Department of Botany, Kakatiya University,

Warangal for encouragement. We thank the tribal people inhabiting in the Maha-mutharam
revenue Mandal for revealing their traditional botanical knowledge.
REFERENCES:
Brumot, K.S. & Naidu, T.S. 2007. National Seminar on Tribal medicinal system and its
contemporary relevance”. – Alluri SeetharamaRaju centre for Tribal Studies & Research.

www.isca.in
Hemadri, K. 1990. Contribution to the medicinal flora of Karimnagar and Warangal disitricts,
Andhra Pradesh. Indian Medicine 2:16-28.
Kapoor, S.L.,Kapoor, L.D. 1980.Medicinal plants of the Karimnagar district of Andhra

Pradesh. Bull. Medico-Ethnobot. Res. 2:120-144.
Naqvi, A.H., 2001. Flora of Karimnagar District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Ph.D., Thesis, Kakatiya
University, Warangal.
Rao, J.V.R., Nagulu, V., Srinivasulu, C., Reddy, V.M. & V.V. Rao, 1998. An ecological
frame work for the socio economics of tribal dependence on Natural resources in Mahadevpur,
Karimnagar district, pp.223-235. Proc. Nation. Symp. on Conservation of Eastern Ghats, EPTRI,
Hyderabad.
Ravishankar, T. 1990. Ethnobotanical studies in Adilabad and Karimnagar districts of Andhra

Pradesh, India. Ph.D., Thesis, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.
Reddy, C.S., Nagesh, K., Reddy, K.N. & Raju, V.S. 2003. Plants used in Ethnoveterinary
practice by Gonds of Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh. J. Econ. Tax. Bot. 27:631-634.
Reddy, V.M. 1996. Ungulate ecology and tribal dependence on forest ecosystem at Mahadevpur
Reserve Forest, Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh. Ph.D., Thesis. Osmania University,
Hyderabad.

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Effect of fruit extract of Aegle marmelos on intestinal transport of

fluid and motility in rats
Manjunath V Jali*, Nirmala P1, Annamalai A. R1, Basavaraj K.M2.
*Department of Pharmacology, T.V.M. College of Pharmacy, Bellary, Karnataka, India

1
Department of Pharmacology, R. M. Medical College, Annamalai nagar, Tamilnadu, India
2
Department of Chemistry, Vijayanagar Sri Krishndevaraya University Bellary, Karnataka, India
ABSTRACT
The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of alcoholic extract of Aegle
marmelos fruit (AME) on castor oil induced intraluminal fluid, electrolyte accumulation in
jejunum and intestinal motility in rats. Enteropooling method is used to measure movement of
fluid and electrolyte from 2ml of tyrode solution placed in jejunum (20 cm) of anesthetized rats in
30 min period. Intestinal transit of charcoal meal is used to assess intestinal motility in rats. In
control rats there was net absorption of fluid and electrolyte (Na+,Cl-), whereas, fluid and
electrolyte accumulation was observed in castor oil group compared to control. Pretreatment of
rats with higher dose of AME (800 mg/kg,p.o.) significantly prevented castor oil induced fluid
and electrolyte accumulation, whereas the lower dose (400 mg/kg) had no effect. Both doses of
AME (400 and 800 mg/kg) significantly reduced the intestinal transit of charcoal meal compared
to control rats. Our results provide experimental evidence and rationale for antidiarrhoeal effects
of Aegle marmelos fruits.
Key Words: Aegle marmelos, ejunalfluid, intestinal transit, Antidiarrhoeal activity
INTRODUCTION
Secretory diarrhoea is common form of acute diarrhoea continues to be a major clinical
problem has a major impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Secretory diarrhoea occurs as
result of increased intestinal secretion or decreased intestinal absorption of fluid and electrolytes,
but in some cases diarrhoea may result from a combination of these mechanisms 1, 2. There has
been a continuing search for drugs that might inhibit secretory process within the enterocytes.
Further altered motility of gastrointestinal tract also leads to diarrhoea 3.Aegle marmelos
commonly known as Bael/Bilva belonging to the family Rutaceae has been reported to possess a

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number of medicinal properties used in indigenous system of Indian medicine 4. Extensive studies
have been reported on biological activities of various extracts of Aegle marmelos including
antidiabetic 5, antiulcer 6, anticancer 7, antihyperlipidaemic 8, anti spermatogenesis 9. Previous
report has demonstrated that fruit extract of Aegle marmelos is effective against castor oil induced
diarrhoea in mice 10. Further our preliminary study in laboratory has demonstrated that ethanolic
extract of unripe fruit of Aegle marmelos (AME) is effective against various secretagogues
induced diarrhoea in mice (unpublished data). To our knowledge the effects of AME on intestinal
fluid transport is less reported.
Enteropooling technique that measures fluid and electrolyte movement across various
segments of small intestine is widely employed to test the antidiarrhoeal effects of investigating
agents on intestinal fluid transport in physiological or pathological state 11. Castor oil stimulated
intestinal secretion that results in the diarrhoea is commonly used in experimental antidiarrhoeal
studies12. Further, the transit of charcoal meal along gastrointestinal tract after its oral
administration is considered as measure of gut motility.
In present study we investigated the effect of AME on castor oil induced fluid and
electrolytes secretion by enteropooling method in rat jejunum. We also investigated the effect of
AME on intestinal motility by measuring intestinal transit of charcoal meal in rats.
Chemicals
Castor oil IP grade (Boom Agro India Private Limited, Mundra, Gujarat), Thiopental
Sodium (Harris Pharma LLP, Kolkata, India). Tyrode and other solutions were of extra pure
quality available from commercial sources.
Plant Material
The unripe fruits of Aegle marmelos were collected from local areas of Bellary district,
Karnataka, during July-September. The plant material was taxonomically identified and
authenticated by Dr. Govindraj, HOD, Department of Botany, Smt. A.S.M. College for Women,
Bellary, Karnataka, India.

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Preparation of crude extract
Freshly collected unripe fruits of Aegle marmelos were thoroughly washed under running
water to remove adherent impurities. Fruits were chopped and the pulp along with pericarp and
seeds were subjected to shade drying at room temperature and coarsely powdered (#40). The
powdered drug (100g) was macerated with 16 parts of ethanol (90%) for a week and filtered. The
obtained extract was concentrated in a rotary vacuum evaporator under reduced pressure to obtain
a dark brown semi-solid mass. The percentage yield of the extract was 12.64 % w/w with respect
to air dried plant material. The extract was stored at low temperature (4 to 80 C) for evaluation of
phytochemical, toxicological and pharmacological studies.
Phytochemical Screening
In order to determine the presence of phytoconstituents, a preliminary phytochemical

study of the extract was performed using specific reagents 13
Experimental animals
Wistar rats of either sex weighing 200-225g were procured from Venkateshwara
enterprises, Bangalore. They were housed in polypropylene cages and maintained under standard
laboratory conditions (12:12 h light and dark cycles; temperature 25±20C and relative humidity
55±10%). Animals were fed with standard diet and water ad libitum. Before the experimental
study the animals were fasted overnight with free access to water. The study protocol was
approved by Institutional Animal Ethics Committee and experiments were performed in
accordance with the current guidelines of Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision
of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) 14.
Acute toxicity (LD50) study
Acute toxicity study of the extract was performed in overnight fasted albino mice by
following fixed dose method as per OECD guidelines No.423. Mortality & toxic symptoms in the
treated animals were observed continuously for the first 3 h after dosing, periodically during the
first 24 h and then daily observation for a total period of 14 days 15.
EVALUATION FOR ANTI-DIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY

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Study of intra luminal transport of fluid and electrolyte
Rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. Group I received vehicle (0.4 ml -
2% Tween 80 p.o) and served as control. Group II and III received castor oil (2 ml p.o.) and in
addition Group III and IV received AME (400 and 800 mg/kg p.o. respectively) 1h before oral
administration of castor oil. All the groups were prepared for Beubler enterpooling method with
modifications, briefly16. After 90 min from administration of castor oil animals were
anaesthetized with Thiopental (40 mg /kg i.p.) and a midline incision was made, jejunum about 5
cms distal to the flexuraduodenojejunalis and 20 cms distally was canulated with polythene
catheters (No. 8).The jejunum was rinsed with warm sterile saline solution to remove the contents
followed by blowing air with using syringe. The distal end of the jejunum was closed by ligation.
2ml of pre warmed (37oC) Tyrode solution (composition g/l : NaCl-8.0, KCl-0.2, CaCl2-0.2,
MgCl2-0.1, NaHCO3-1.0, NaH2PO4-0.05, D-glucose-1.0) was instilled in jejunum and catheter
was withdrawn before tying of the proximal end. After 30 min the jejunum was removed and the
volume of the fluid content was noted. Animals were sacrificed by an overdose of Thiopental. The
fluid and electrolyte transport were measured as difference between the initial and final volume in
the loop.
Intestinal transit of Charcoal meal
Wistar rats of either sex (200-225g) were randomly divided into four groups of six rats
each. Group I received vehicle (0.4 ml -2%Tween 80 p.o.), Group II and III were received orally
400 and 800 mg/kg body weight of AME respectively. Group IV received standard drug atropine
(0.1mg/kg i.p.). After 1 h each animal was administered orally with 1 ml of charcoal meal (10%
charcoal suspension in 5 % gum acacia). Thirty minutes later the rats were sacrificed and the
distance travelled by charcoal from pylorus was measured and expressed as a percentage of total
length of the intestine from the pylorus to caecum 17.
Statistical analysis
Result are expressed as mean ± SEM (n=6). Statistical difference between control and
experimental values were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by
Dunnet’s t-test (Graph Pad software). P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

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RESULTS
Phytoconstituents
Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos revealed

the presence of tannins, steroidal glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins and terpenoids.
Acute toxicity study
Acute toxicity studies were carried out to evaluate toxicity and to determine the minimum
lethal dose of the test extract using Swiss albino mice. Fixed dose method of OECD Guideline
No.423 was adopted for toxicity studies. It was found that no mortality and changes in the
behavior were observed up to dose 2000 mg/kg body wt. Therefore, 400 and 800 mg/kg p.o
extract doses were selected for screening of anti-diarrhoeal activity.
Study of intra luminal transport of fluid and electrolyte
In control rats, there was net absorption of fluid 1.16 ± 0.092ml). Chloride and sodium
movement paralleled that of fluid 114 ± 3.48 (114 ± 3.48 mEq /L, Na+; 117.3 ± 3.07mEq/L C1-).
Castor oil treatment led to fluid accumulation as indicated by significant increase in jejunal fluid
volume (1.553 ± 0.055 ml) as compared to control. In these rats sodium and chloride levels were
also significantly higher when compared to control (141.2 ± 5.3 mEq/L, Na+; 141.5 ± 2.4 mEq/L,
C1-). AME at higher dose, (800 mg/kg) reversed the castor oil induced fluid accumulation to
absorption as indicated by significant decrease in jejunal fluid volume (1.225±0.052 ml)
compared to castor oil group. Sodium and chloride levels in Jejunal fluid were also significantly
reduced compared to castor oil received group (117.33 ± 3.2mEq/L, Na+; 126.6 ± 4.79 mEq/L
C1-). Lower dose of AME (400 mg/kg) had no effect on castor oil induced fluid accumulation
and C1- secretion but significantly reduced the Na+ level (1.36 ± 0.047 ml; 128.66 ± 1.52 mEq/L,
Na+; 140.33 ± 4.29 mEq/L, C1-). Fluid and electrolytes accumulation in the Jejunum as shown in
Figure-1, 2 and 3.
Intestinal transit of charcoal meal
Pretreatment of rats with AME (400 and 800 mg/kg) significantly reduced the intestinal
transit of charcoal meal (64.83 ± 3.96 and 54.4 ± 1.25 respectively) as compared to control (88.09

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± 3.36). Similarly, atropine treatment also significantly reduced intestinal transit of charcoal meal
(32.03 ± 1.25) compared to control as shown in Figure-4.
1 .7 5
a
n(mL)
1 .5 0
latio
c
1 .2 5
idaccumu
1 .0 0
inal flu
0 .7 5
0 .5 0
tralum
0 .2 5
In
0 .0 0
l
g
)
o
0m
0m
tr
C
on
il(
40
80
rO
C
E
M
M
to
+A
A
as
+
C
O
C
Figure 1 Effect of Aegle Marmelos fruit extract (AME) on castor oil (2ml p.o) induced
elevated intraluminal fluid accumulation. Data are expressed as Mean± SEM for six experiments.
ap < 0.01 when compared to control, cp < 0.01 when compared to castor oil.
1 5 0 a
b
c
tr)
/L
1 0 0
d m
iu eq
(m
5 0
So
0
g
g
)
ol
0m
0m
tr
C
on
il(
40
80
O
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E
r
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+A
A
as
+
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O
C
Figure .2 Effects of Aegle Marmelos fruit extract (AME) on castor oil (2ml p.o) induced
elevated sodium level. Data are expressed as Mean± SEM for six experiments. ap<0.01 when
compared to control, bp < 0.05 & cp < 0.01 when compared to castor oil.

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1 5 0 a
c
q tr)
/L
1 0 0
rid
lo e
e(m
5 0
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C
)
ol
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O
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E
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as
+
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O
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Figure .3 Effects of Aegle Marmelos fruit extract (AME) on castor oil (2ml p.o) induced
elevated chloride level. Data are expressed as Mean± SEM for six experiments. ap < 0.01 when
compared to control, cp < 0.05 when compared to castor oil
100
%Intestinal Transit of Charcoal meal
75
a
a
50
a
25
0
e
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k
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E
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F ig . 4 E ffe c t o f A e g le M a r m e lo s fr u it e x t r a c t o n in t e s t in a l t r a n s it o f c h a r c o a l m e a l.
D a t a a r e e x p r e s s e d a s M e a n ± S E M fo r s ix e x p e r im e n t s . a p < 0 .0 1 w h e n c o m p a r e d t o c o n t r o l.
DISCUSSION
In the present study, we have shown that AME prevents castor oil induced fluid
accumulation in rat Jejunum. Further, the plant extract also inhibits charcoal meal transit in rats.
Castor oil and its active ingredient ricinoleic acid change the transport of water and electrolytes to
net hyper secretory response that results into diarrhea 18, Consistent with these reports, in the

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present study we observed that castor oil induced the fluid and electrolytes (Na+, C1-)
accumulation in Jejunum in 30 min period. In human intestine chloride serves as primary ion
driving secretion of water into lumen and sodium serves key for regulating water absorption into
lumen 19. Hence, we used this 30 min period to assess effect of AME on castor oil induced fluid
and electrolyte accumulation.
Pretreatment of rats with AME prevented the castor oil induced fluid accumulation along
with decreased levels of Na+ and C1- in intraluminal fluid. These observations indicate that AME
has modulatory effect on castor oil induced changes in intestinal lumen that affects fluid and
electrolyte transport.
Diarrhoea is also caused by changes in gastrointestinal motility that results into enhanced
movement of intestinal contents. Drugs like atropine and loperamide are known to reduce the
intestinal motility and are clinically used in treatment of diarrhoea 20. We observed that AME
treatment in normal rats reduced the intestinal transit (54.4%) which was little lower than that of
atropine (32%). These observations suggest that AME has inhibitory effect on intestinal motility.
Based on our observations it appears that anti-diarrhoeal effect of AME observed in the previous
study could be due to modulatory effect on intestinal transport of fluid and electrolytes and also
intestinal motility.
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrate that AME prevents castor oil induced intestinal accumulation of
fluid and electrolytes. Further, it also reduces intestinal transit in normal rats. These observations
provide experimental evidence that support anti-diarrhoeal effect of Aegle marmelos.
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12. Mascolo, N., Izzo, A, A., Avtore, G., Barbato, F., Capasso, F. Nitric oxide and castor oil
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13. Harborne, J.B. Phytochemical methods–a guide to modern techniques of plant analysis.
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14. CPCSEA - Guidelines for Laboratory animal facility. Indian J Pharmacol. 35:231-235
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15. OECD-“Guidelines for testing of chemicals” Acute oral toxicity. Environmental health and
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16. Beubler, E., Couplar, I, M., Hardcastle,J., Hardcastle,P,T. Stimulatory effects of 5-HT on
fluid secretion and transmural potential difference in rat small intestine is mediated by
different receptor subtype. J. Pharm Pharmacol 42: 35-39, (2010)
17. Ammon, H.V.,Thomas, P. J.,Phillips, S., Effect of oleic and ricinoleic acid on net jejunal
water and electrolyte movement : Journal of clinical investigations, 53: 374-379 (1974)
18. Gaginella, T.S., Phillips,S.F Ricinoleic acid : Current view of an ancient oil : Dig. Dis, 20,
1171-1177, (1975)
19. Donowitz, M, Welsh, M, J., In Physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, Johsnson, J, R.,
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www.isca.in
ABOUT EDITOR
Dr.Samineni.Rama Mohana Rao is an experienced lecturer in

Botany- Spanning the Career of almost three decades. He is a man
of sound academic and technical Qualifications with a penchant for
Ethno- Botany, so much so that, he was specially Deputed as a team
leader by the Forest Department Rapid Action Force to explore the
Medicinal Plants in The V.R. Puram Mandal Of Khammam
District. Besides, He is a Man of varied interest and positive zeal
for any work assigned to him.To his credit he Has many research
papers, that testify his keen interest for research activity. In brief, He is a teacher who does
affect, who ever comes under his spell.

Ayurvedic Medicines

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Ayurvedic Medicines

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International E – Publication

Dr. Samineni Rama Mohana Rao

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, in a

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… iii

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… iv

Pammi Satyanarayana Sastry an Eminent Ayurvedic Practitioner from Vijayawada,

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… v

Dr.S.Madhava Rao, M.Sc, Ph.D

SR&BGNR Govt.Arts& Sceince College,

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… vi

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… vii

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… viii

Ethnobotanical Studies On Medicinal Plants Used By The Tribes Of

*P.Earnest Vijayanand, ** D.Ramesh, Lecturer in Botany, Govt. Degree & P.G.College,

Traditional healing systems play an important role in maintaining physical and

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 1

Traditional healing systems play an important role in maintaining physical and

Bhadrachalam is located in khammam district, Bhadrachalam forest area lies between

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 2

2 . Pullaiah T et al Flora of Andhra Pradesh, Scientific publishers, Jodhpur.

Botanical Name Vernacular Plant part

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 3

09 Andrographis nelavemu leaves Snake bite,skin diseases

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 4

27 Argemone nelarakkasi Roots,Seeds Skin diseases,fever

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 5

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 6

Anticancer agents from medicinal plants: A mini review.

Kavya M and Srinath Rao*

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 7

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 8

PLANT DERIVED ANTICANCER AGENTS IN CLINICAL USE:

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 9

2. Vincristine: Brand name, Oncovin, formally known as leurocristine, sometimes abbreviated

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 10

5. Topotecan: Trade name Hycamtinis a semi-synthetic derivative of camptothecin and is used

Etoposide and teniposide: Theseare two semi-synthetic derivatives of epipodophyllotoxin and

Homoharringtonine: It is isolated from the Chinese tree Cephalotaxus harringtonia var.

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 11

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 12

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 13

Kantarjian HM, O’Brien S, Anderlini P, Talpaz M. Treat-ment of chronic myelogenous

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 14

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 15

Plate-I: Plants producing Anticancer Compounds

Bleekeria vitensis Camptotheca acuminate

Cephalotaxus harringtonia Coleus forskohlii

Plate-II: Plants producing Anticancer Compounds

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 16

Curcuma longa (Plant) Curcuma longa (Rhizome)

Nothopodites foetida Podophyllum hexandrum

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 17

Plate-III: Plants producing Anticancer Compounds

Catharanthus roseus Taxus brevifolia Zizyphus mauritiana,

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 18

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS CYANOBACTERIA

N.V. Madhav* M. Arjun and M.Aruna**

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 19

METERIAL AND METHODS:

E. COLI, PSEUDOMONAS, & KLLEBSIELLA:

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 20

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Proceeding of National Seminar on “Traditional Medicine & Health Practices” …… 21